United enter race to sign phenomenal 17-yo Atalanta “leader” who could replace their 32-yo veteran – report

Manchester United have turned to Atalanta several times over the last few years to strengthen their side.  In 2021, United signed Amad Diallo from the Bergamo-based outfit. Around two years later, the Red Devils acquired Rasmus Hojlund to lead their attack. Interestingly, the club’s former Director of Football, John Murtough is now Director of Development at Atalanta. The Premier League giants have also been strongly linked with Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Now, a report suggests the Mancunians are eyeing their teenage defensive stalwart. Who is Manchester United target Honest Ahanor? According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are among a host of clubs interested in Honest Ahanor. The 17-year-old Nigerian moved to Bergamo from Genoa earlier this year for a fee of around €20m. Honest Ahanor Serie A stats: 2025/26 Season Appearances8 Minutes per game69 Touches51 Blocks.5 Duels won4.4 Interceptions 1.5 Tackles 1.6 Source: Sofascore Following his impressive start at Atalanta,  Ahanor has “rapidly emerged as one of the most coveted young defenders in European football.” The youngster has earned recognition for his maturity and authority beyond his age. He is physically strong and dominant in air. In possession, he is calm under pressure. Manchester United searching for a new leader in defence It is understood Chelsea are one of his most “aggressive suitors”, with reports suggesting they could be willing to bid in the region of €60m to secure his services. Ahanor’s contract with the Serie A club runs until 2028. The Blues face competition from United, who are said to be closely monitoring his development. It is claimed they are in the market for a long-term defensive leader and see Ahanor as “a potential cornerstone signing for the next decade.” United could part ways with Harry Maguire, 32, on a free transfer at the end of the season. As such, Ruben Amorim would need a defensive reinforcement for his back three system.  Ahanor’s positional awareness and ability to build play from the back make him an appealing target for the Portuguese tactician, as he likes his defenders to get on the ball and thread forward passes. Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!