Adama Traore sends cheeky message to Manchester United star following Fulham’s 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils
Fulham began their Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, but there were certainly some positives to take from the game.
For one, the Cottagers created several chances on the break, particularly in the first half, where Adama Traore posed a constant threat to the home side’s defense. He had an intense battle with Lisandro Martinez, with Traore getting the better of the defender early in the game.
However, Martinez showed why he is so highly rated in their second encounter, as he brushed off the pacy winger in a one-versus-one situation, leaving him on the ground.
Following the game, the 26-year-old cheekily remarked on Sky Sports, “I sent him to the gym, no?” to which the former Barcelona forward responded on his Instagram story, saying:
“Don’t worry, we will meet again."
Manchester United certainly had their fair share of chances in the game and were rewarded for their efforts in the 87th minute when Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal for the club after being in the right place at the right time to poke in Alejandro Garnacho’s cross.
Meanwhile, Martinez had a solid performance, playing a key role in helping United keep a clean sheet. Although he jokingly mocked Traore, he also acknowledged how challenging it is to face the winger when he’s in full stride.
“It’s really difficult to play against this opponent [Traore]. I learned from the first one, because in the first situation he killed me, and then I kill him back. I have to go to the duel. It’s small details but in the Premier League, small details in the end are the big details," Martinez said. (via Manchester United website)
Lisandro Martinez discusses difference between Ajax and Manchester United
This is Lisandro Martinez’s third season in Manchester, and it’s fair to say he has been a valuable addition to the club. Erik ten Hag certainly missed his presence for much of last season, as United finished eighth in the table.
Martinez has faced criticism for his height, particularly as a center-back, with doubts about how he would handle tall, physical forwards. However, he has consistently proven his doubters wrong, as he emphasized the importance of being aggressive in every duel.
“First of all, I always believe in myself, in my strength as well. I know I’m not really, really tall, but I will win, I will go with personality in every ball, every duel, I will show that I’m there in the pitch,” he told SkySports.
The former Ajax star also discussed the differences between Ten Hag’s system at the Dutch club and at Manchester United.
"It’s a different league, absolutely, different system as well. In Ajax, I think in every game we control more the game and here in Manchester we are trying. Today, for example, we show in the first half playing in the half of the pitch, we show good moments, but I think it’s really different. Here you play against Fulham, against every team, and everyone is quick, strong, good with the ball," Martinez added.
Manchester United will next travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion on August 24, followed by a clash with Liverpool on September 1, just before the international break.