LISANDRO MARTINEZ brutally trolled Adama Traore after Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening night at Old Trafford.
The Argentine and Spaniard were locked in several intense tussles that saw the players get the better of each other in the first half.
But Martinez won the war as new striker Joshua Zirkzee rose from the bench to slot home in the 87th minute and give United their first nervy victory of the new campaign.
Before kick-off, commentator Rob Hawthorne referred to Martinez’s pending battle with Traore as a “mismatch” due to the sheer size and speed of the Fulham winger.
The World Cup winner was initially alarmed when Traore raced past him to get into a good position as the West London side started strongly.
But Martinez – nicknamed “The Butcher” by the United faithful – ensured it never happened again after toppling the man mountain during their next battle.
Next time Traore tried to go past him he was wholly unsuccessful as Martinez won the ball with ease and left the winger on the deck.
Looking at footage of the Traore on the floor, Martinez told Sky Sports: “I sent him to the gym.
“I learned from the first one where he killed me, I killed him back.”
Before adding: “He is difficult to play against and I learned from the first situation.”
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The Argentine put in an impressive performance as he helped his side to a clean sheet.
His best moment came when he cleared the ball for a corner from two yards out in the 80th minute – stopping a nailed on Fulham goal.
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!”
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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.”
Martinez started alongside Harry Maguire in central defence, with United missing £52m summer signing Leny Yoro due to a foot injury.
Fellow new arrival Matthijs De Ligt came off the bench in the final ten minutes as United pushed for a goal.
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
