Man United opened their new Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Fulham.
New boy Joshua Zirkzee, who came off the bench in the second-half, scored the only goal of the game as he enjoyed a dream debut for the club following his summer switch from Bologna.
The Red Devils not only secured all three points but also kept a clean sheet as Martinez helped his side contain the visitors, which included the threat of Traore.
But the diminutive Argentinean won the following duel as he knocked him off the ball.
Speaking after the result, Martinez poked fun of the muscly winger.
Speaking to Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane, he joked: "I sent him to the gym!"
He added: "He is difficult to play against and I learned from the first situation, in the first situation he killed me but then I killed him back."
Traore has since responded to Martinez's 'gym' jibe by taking to social media.
He posted a picture of himself, accompanied with the caption: "Don't worry @lisandromartinezzz we will met [sic] again."
Martinez started his side's victory at centre-back before being shifted to left-back following changes in the second-half.
"For sure it is really important, and the most important thing is the three points - we still have to improve a lot," he added.
"It is difficult to play for this big club, but we live for that, and we have to play in a positive way. We have to take this pressure and like today we had a good connection with the subs and fans as well - I am proud to play for this club.
"I didn’t play many games as left full-back, but as a player you have to give everything to the team. If the team needs me there I will give everything. If I have to play there I will give everything."
Traore's Response to Martinez: A Sign of Things to Come?
Traore's cryptic message suggests that he is not happy with Martinez's comments. The Fulham winger's response is likely to add fuel to the fire ahead of their next encounter, which will be a clash of the titans when Manchester United travels to Craven Cottage in January. It will be interesting to see how the two players square off next time they meet.
A Battle of Strengths
The clash between Traore and Martinez at Old Trafford was a fascinating study in contrasting styles. Traore's raw power and speed were pitted against Martinez's strength and tactical awareness.
In the early stages of the game, Traore's pace and strength proved to be too much for Martinez to handle. The Fulham winger breezed past the Argentine on a few occasions, creating chances for his teammates. However, Martinez's resilience and determination ultimately proved to be decisive, as he successfully shut down Traore's threat in the second half, denying him the space and time to operate effectively.
More Than Just a Physical Battle
While the battle between Traore and Martinez was undoubtedly a physical one, it was also a clash of tactics and mental fortitude. Martinez's ability to adjust his approach and learn from his mistakes allowed him to gain the upper hand over Traore.
The two players are likely to face each other again this season, which will give them another opportunity to showcase their strengths and demonstrate their abilities. The duel between Traore and Martinez has the potential to be a key factor in the outcome of future Premier League matches.
Martinez's Impact at Old Trafford
Martinez's performance against Fulham was a sign of his importance to Manchester United. The Argentine defender has been a key player for the Red Devils since joining the club from Ajax in 2022. His ability to defend with aggression and intensity, as well as his leadership qualities, have made him a valuable asset for Erik ten Hag.
Despite his relatively small stature, Martinez has not been afraid to mix it up with some of the Premier League's most imposing forwards. His performance against Traore is just one example of his ability to hold his own against physically imposing players.
United's Strong Start
Manchester United's victory over Fulham was a positive start to their new Premier League season. The Red Devils showed signs of improvement under Erik ten Hag. They were able to dominate possession and create a number of chances. With a new season comes new challenges, but the victory at Old Trafford is a promising sign for the future.
The Road Ahead
The Premier League season is a long and grueling one. Manchester United will have to maintain their focus and consistency to achieve their goals. They will face a number of tough tests this season, but the team's resilience and determination will be key to their success.
The Red Devils are a team on the rise, and their performance against Fulham suggests that they could be a serious contender for the title. However, they will need to continue to build on their strong start and show that they can maintain their momentum throughout the season.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Erik ten Hag and his team. The Red Devils will face a number of tough tests, but they will be confident of achieving success. It will be exciting to see what they can accomplish this season.
