ADAMA TRAORE has hit back at Lisandro Martinez following their clash in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham.
The pair went toe-to-toe at Old Trafford in the Premier League’s opening game, with the winger getting the better of the World Cup winner early on when he breezed past him to get to the byline.
However, in their second meeting, Martinez got his own back and muscled Traore off the ball in front of the Stretford End.
Following the game, in which Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score a late winner on his Red Devils debut, Martinez joked to Sky Sports that he had “sent him to the gym”.
The 26-year-old said: “I learnt from the first situation.
“In the first situation, he killed me — so I killed him back.”
But Traore has not taken the barb lying down.
Instead, the 28-year-old took to social media to issue a warning to Martinez.
Taking to his Instagram story, he shared a picture of himself in training alongside the caption: “Don’t worry we will meet again,” alongside a smiling-winking emoji.
He also tagged the former Ajax star in the post.
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The return fixture will take place on January 25.
Martinez also made a light-hearted dig at Jamie Carragher in his post-match interview.
The Liverpool legend repeatedly hit out at the defender in 2022, claiming the 5ft 9in defender would struggle after he arrived in the Prem.
Gary Neville asked him: “When you first came there were a lot of comments about you because of the physicality of this league, how have you found it?”
“You mean from him,” replied Martinez, as he pointed at Carragher.
The former Anfield centre-back immediately took the chance to walk over to Martinez to measure him up – and found their height difference minimal.
In fact, in an awkward exchange, as the pair stood side-to-side a shocked Carragher admitted: “He’s bigger than me!”
Carragher asked if Martinez was worried about the physicality of the English game and got a defiant response.
He declared: “I know that I’m not really tall, but I will win.”
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
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