Ex-PGMOL chief: Martinez talks called for after Troare clash in Man United v Fulham
01/27/2025 10:00 AM
Man United defender Lisandro Martinez was lucky not to be punished for a challenge on Adama Traore during his side’s win over Fulham, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old may need advice over his approach to tackling after that incident.
Martinez would go on to score the only goal of the game via a heavy deflection to secure all three points for Ruben Amorim’s side at Craven Cottage on Sunday night (26 January).
Before that though, the Man United defender was involved in a clash with Traore that Hackett believes he was lucky not to be punished for.
Martinez reignites Traore rivalry as Man United beat Fulham
There was already something of a feud between Martinez and Traore following comments that had been made in the wake of the Red Devils’ win over Fulham in the opening game of this season.
That was revisited after the Fulham winger came off the bench against Man United at the weekend, reuniting him with Martinez.
As Traore carried the ball forward towards the edge of the opposition area, the Argentine attempted to win possession back by diving into a two-footed challenge with the Cottagers’ attacker.
Given the size of his opponent, it is perhaps not surprising Martinez appeared to come off worse as he left on the ground in pain, although Hackett feels he was still lucky not to be punished for the challenge.
When asked whether the Man United man was lucky to be shown a card by referee Anthony Taylor in the incident, the former referee told Football Insider:
“I think Taylor generally is having quite a good season and I think he’s trying to keep his foul count down but he could easily have been cautioned for that challenge.
“You can’t make that type of challenge so I think the player needs a bit operational advice on how he challenges, he got away with one.”
Martinez has again taken to social media to celebrate that win for Man United, but appears to have so far avoided any mention of Traore.
HIs sid will next look to officially secure their place in the Europa League last 16 when they travel to Romania to face FCSB in the final round of group phase games on Thursday.
In other news, Alejandro Garnacho has sent a message as exit rumours run wild.
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The post Ex-PGMOL chief: Martinez talks called for after Troare clash in Man United v Fulham appeared first on Football Insider.
