Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out of action for at least a month after breaking a toe in two places, according to a report.

The Englishman, who has started nine games for the Red Devils this term, came in for criticism from boss Jose Mourinho when withdrawing from the squad to face Swansea City last weekend.

Mourinho hinted that Smalling, along with fellow defender Luke Shaw, had refused to play against the Swans simply because he was not 100% fit for the Liberty Stadium clash.

It is claimed by the Daily Mail that the centre-back will miss more than four weeks of action as a result of the injury he picked up, however, which could see him miss out on United's packed Christmas and New Year schedule in the Premier League, as well as crucial Europa League matches.

Mourinho asked Smalling to have two injections in his foot and play through the pain barrier in the league meeting with Chelsea last month, but he has not featured since and saw his 'bravery' questioned by the Portuguese earlier this week.

United are currently sixth in the Premier League after claiming just two wins in their last eight outings.