Manchester United edged past Fulham on the opening matchday of the English Premier League (EPL) 2024/25 season. The Red Devils scored in the 87th minute of the game. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee scored the only goal of the game. He played just 30 minutes and became the super sub for the iconic club on his debut match. The side did not start well in the pre-season however they got their first full points on Friday.
The match was very intense and exciting with both sides having their chances. However, United despite having the better chances failed to convert. Their captain Bruno Fernandes was denied twice by Bernd Leno. During the game, there were some intense player battles. Among those one of them was Lisandro Martinez’s battle with Fulham winger Adama Traore. It was one of the main highlights of the game.
Traore used his pace and strength to get past Casemiro early in the first half, then brushed off Martinez and broke into the United box. Traore received the ball again with space to rush into, but Martinez was up to the task and wonderfully blocked him with his upper body. The two faced off several times, and Lisandro Martinez was strong against such a tough opponent.
Lisandro Martinez takes a controversial dig at Traore
Later after the match ended, while speaking to Sky Sports, and cheekily said about Traore. The Argentine World Cup winner said I sent him to the gym. I learned from the first one where he killed me, I killed him back. But is it right to body shame a footballer or pass such comments on public TV? The comments from the center back are not acceptable.
Every football fan is well aware of Traore’s physical attributes and also the strength he possesses. The on-field battle should be on the ground and not speak a single word outside whenever the match is over. This might spark outrage and create problems in later future. Some fans might not take in a good manner.
