In a bold pre-match declaration, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ winger Adama Traoré has sent shockwaves through the football community by targeting Manchester United’s recent defensive vulnerabilities. Capitalizing on the absence of United’s stalwart defender Lisandro Martínez, Traoré stated:
“With Martínez out, United’s defense is wide open, and I’m going to tear them apart! This isn’t just a game—it’s going to be a humiliation! They should accept defeat now because they aren’t winning. Unless he miraculously starts, this will be another disaster, another failure. United, consider this your final warning—you are not ready for what’s coming!”
Martínez’s Injury: A Significant Setback for United
Lisandro Martínez, affectionately known as “The Butcher” for his aggressive defending, suffered a cruciate ligament injury during Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace on February 2, 2025. The club confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. 
This injury is a substantial blow to United, as Martínez has been pivotal in their defensive setup. Under manager Ruben Amorim, the team’s defensive frailties have been exposed, with United conceding goals in 10 of their last 11 Premier League games. 
Adama Traoré’s Confidence and Recent Form
Adama Traoré’s recent comments are not without context. The winger has been in impressive form this season, utilizing his pace and strength to trouble opposing defenses. His confidence is further bolstered by a past encounter with Martínez, where tensions escalated on the pitch. Following that match, Traoré sent a message to Martínez stating, “Don’t worry we will meet again.” 
Manchester United’s Defensive Record Without Martínez
The absence of Martínez has raised concerns about United’s defensive solidity. Historically, the team’s performance without him has been inconsistent. According to available data, Manchester United’s record without Lisandro Martínez stands at 21 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses in the Premier League. 
However, some statistics suggest that United’s win rate without Martínez is higher. For instance, reports indicate that the team has an 83% win rate without him, compared to a 66% win rate with him. 
Fan Reactions and Team Morale
Traoré’s provocative statements have elicited strong reactions from fans and pundits alike. Many see this as an attempt to exploit United’s current defensive woes, while others believe it could serve as motivation for the Red Devils to prove their resilience.
Inside the United camp, manager Ruben Amorim faces the challenge of restructuring his defense. Reports suggest that Amorim and his coaching staff have established a WhatsApp group to provide defenders with insights on upcoming opponents, aiming to address the team’s defensive issues. 
Looking Ahead: The Upcoming Clash
The upcoming fixture between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers has now taken on added significance. Traoré’s comments have set the stage for a highly anticipated battle, with United’s defense under scrutiny. Fans are eager to see how the team will respond to this challenge and whether they can defy the odds in Martínez’s absence.
As the football world awaits this encounter, the pressure mounts on Manchester United to demonstrate their resilience and tactical adaptability. Whether Traoré’s bold predictions come to fruition or serve as a catalyst for a United resurgence remains to be seen.
