Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez joked that he sent Adama Traore “to the gym” after their late win over Fulham.

Joshua Zirkzee scored a dream goal on his debut as Erik ten Hag’s side claimed a late three points at Old Trafford to kick off their Premier League campaign with a victory.

Martinez started alongside Harry Maguire in central defence, with United missing summer signing Leny Yoro due to injury and fellow new arrival Matthijs De Ligt on the bench.

The Argentine international was asked questions by Traore in the opening stages before eventually dealing with the Spaniard, robbing him of the ball when running into the box and causing the Fulham star to fall to the floor.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Martinez said of the Fulham star: “I sent him to the gym”.

Reflecting on the duel more broadly, the former Ajax star added: “I learnt from the first situation.

"In the first situation, he killed me — so I killed him back."

United continue their campaign away at Brighton next Saturday before a mouth-watering clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday 1 September.