- Adama Traore sent a clear message to United defender Lisandro Martinez
- Martinez told commentators he had the upper hand in the season opener
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Fulham winger Adama Traore has hit out at Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez after the Red Devils centre-back claimed he sent the powerful winger ‘to the gym’ during Friday’s match at Old Trafford.
During United’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford, Martinez was at one point able to hold off Traore, one of the fastest and strongest players in the Premier League.
After the match, Martinez gave an interview in which he told Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher that he had ‘sent him (Traore) to the gym’.
The Spanish forward sent a six-word response to the Argentine defender on Instagram.
Don’t worry, we’ll meet again. [sic] “Once again @lisandromartinezzz,” the Fulham speed demon wrote with a winking emoji.
Fulham winger Adama Traore takes to social media to attack United defender Lisandro Martinez
The duo faced each other several times in the opening match of the Premier League season
United beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford on Friday in the opening game of the Premier League season, with a single goal from youngster Joshua Zirkzee giving Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils a positive start to the new campaign.
Martinez spent most of the game on the left side of United’s defence, facing Adama Traore, with the Fulham winger initially gaining the upper hand and creating a chance for the visitors.
Martinez later took revenge and took out the Spaniard, eventually emerging victorious as he helped United keep a clean sheet.
After joking that he had sent Traore – known for his strength and muscular physique – ‘to the gym’, Martinez added: ‘I learned from the first time he killed me. I killed him back.’
Carragher was complimentary about the defender after the interview, while Neville suggested he should speak more publicly.
Martinez made just eight Premier League appearances for United last injury-plagued season but is now fully fit for the squad.
“He gave you tactical insight in terms of the team and other players,” Carragher said. “He didn’t turn up to make excuses.
Carragher joked that Martinez, who is 5ft 9in, is “almost the same size” as himself, at 6ft 5in.
‘We criticize players and give them praise. He was heavily criticized and said he didn’t play his best game, but that type of personality to show that… he’s a warrior, I thought he came across as brilliant.’
Roy Keane added: ‘It takes a while for players to settle into the club. Sometimes we have to give them the benefit of the doubt.’
