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Transfer Rumors: Samuel Umtiti to join Manchester United?

By Wyatt Miner

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 23: Samuel Umtiti of France reacts during warmup before the international friendly match between France and Colombia at Stade de France on March 23, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 23: Samuel Umtiti of France reacts during warmup before the international friendly match between France and Colombia at Stade de France on March 23, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images) /
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With recent performances in mind, Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen Manchester United’s defense by signing Samuel Umtiti from Barcelona.

Over the summer, Manchester United bought Victor Lindelof from Benfica. However, the Swedish center-back has underwhelmed fans this season. With the addition of Umtiti, Mourinho could further stack Manchester United’s defense.

When Manchester United scores in a match, Mourinho parks the bus. As one could see, parking the bus does not benefit United. In many cases, United would win games if they continued to apply pressure. It is possible that Mourinho pursues Umtiti in order to park the bus more successfully.

In La Liga, Umtiti has no goals or assists to his name, as expected. However, the French national team player maintains a 91 percent pass completion rate, an impressive stat for a center-back. This season, he has made 20 appearances for Barcelona, playing a total of 1829 minutes. The French player would bring plenty of experience to the Manchester United back line.

In the midst of the transfer rumors, no price has been agreed upon between Manchester United and Barcelona.

Samuel Umtiti would come to Manchester United having to earn his spot. Who would the French defender pair well with?

Eric Bailly would make for a great pair with Umtiti in the back line. For example, Bailly’s physical style of play would pair well with Umtiti’s accurate passing. Umtiti is not near as physical as Bailly is, but what he lacks in physicality, he would make up for in his passing and dribbling.

Additionally, Chris Smalling could prove to be a good match with Umtiti. What Smalling lacks in passing and dribbling, Umtiti would provide a balance in the defense. Defenders are not known for their dribbling or passing skills, but Umtiti proves himself to be an accurate passer of the ball.

Next: 5 things learned from England's international friendlies

According to Metro, the Barcelona star has a release clause of 52 million, but Barcelona are trying their hardest to keep Umtiti on the roster. While Barcelona wants to keep him, Manchester United will try their best to secure a signature. Rumors are rumors, but rumors can sometimes be surprising.