Ghanaian sports pundit Yaw Adjei-Mintah has criticised Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez for speaking out against the club’s board, arguing that the Argentine should assess his own performances before questioning the club’s leadership.

According to a report by Citi FM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Adjei-Mintah expressed disagreement with Martínez’s approach, suggesting that he would have been more comfortable hearing similar criticism from captain Bruno Fernandes.

The pundit made his position clear in a strongly worded statement.

"If the criticism had come from Bruno Fernandes, I would be okay with it. But Lisandro Martínez must check his performance before coming out to attack the board. As for this one, I will kill the messenger.”

His comments have added another dimension to the debate about responsibility, leadership and accountability at Manchester United, where discussions about the club’s management and sporting direction continue to attract attention.

Adjei-Mintah’s argument centres on whether players who publicly criticise their club’s leadership should also be prepared to answer questions about their own contributions on the pitch. In his view, Martínez should evaluate his performances before challenging those responsible for running the club.

The pundit’s reference to Fernandes also highlights the distinction he makes between the two players. As Manchester United’s captain, Fernandes occupies a prominent leadership position within the squad, while Martínez is an Argentine international defender.

However, Adjei-Mintah’s preference for hearing such criticism from Fernandes represents his personal assessment. It does not establish that the Portuguese midfielder has expressed the same views about the board.

The disagreement reflects a broader issue in professional football: the relationship between players and club executives. When concerns emerge about a club’s direction, questions often arise over whether players should speak publicly or concentrate on their performances and responsibilities on the pitch.

Supporters may have differing views on whether footballers should challenge management openly, particularly when they believe decisions made away from the pitch are affecting results.

Adjei-Mintah’s use of the expression “I will kill the messenger” was a rhetorical way of emphasising his rejection of Martínez’s criticism, rather than a literal threat.

His intervention has brought renewed attention to the debate surrounding Manchester United’s leadership and the responsibilities of players within the club.

Ultimately, the pundit’s message is that Martínez should first address questions about his own performances before criticising the board. His remarks leave room for further discussion about how players can express concerns about management while remaining accountable for their performances.

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