Kaua Elias: Man United hold the edge over Amorim’s AC Milan in race for Shakhtar goal machine

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Manchester United’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer appears to have taken them to Ukraine. The Red Devils are coming off a stellar end to the 2025/26 campaign, having finished third in the Premier League.

The English giants were also rewarded for investing over £200 million in the attack last summer. Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all hit the ground running at Old Trafford, but that has not stopped INEOS from pursuing further reinforcements this summer.

Carrick enjoyed an impressive start to his managerial tenure at the Theatre of Dreams, but he will face further challenges next season. United will be expected to fight for silverware, while they also have to compete in the Champions League.

The Red Devils are keen to hand the English manager a squad capable of fighting on four fronts. With Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain, Carrick could do with a new striker in his squad.

United want Kaua Elias

According to The Sun, United scouts were in attendance to watch Elias score a hat-trick in Shakhtar’s 5-1 win over Kudrivka. The report states: “Manchester United and Arsenal sent scouts to watch summer target Kaua Elias score a perfect hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk.”

“SunSport understand Arsenal and United scouts were present in the stands as the striker put on a show, with AC Milan and Porto also keen on the ace. An official bid for the former Brazil youth international is expected with the Ukrainian giants rating him at about £30million.”

The report goes on to confirm that club scouts gave a glowing review of the Brazilian, continuing: “SunSport heard from sources that Arsenal and Man Utd talent spotters gave extremely glowing evaluations of the versatile forward.”

The report confirms that Arsenal have been hot on the player’s heels for a while, but United are also putting in the groundwork ahead of a move. It states: “SunSport understand Man Utd scouts were tasked with evaluating Elias following intelligence gathered on his recent performances.”

“In the report sent back to Old Trafford, it was noted that the No9 is a player holding the potential to develop into a top-level centre-forward provided the right environment and managerial backing are delivered. Elias’s physical capacity and ambidextrous finishing skills are highly compatible with United’s press-heavy, fast-transition system.”

Premier League duo have advantage in the race

The report goes on to point out that the English clubs have an advantage in the race, because they have the financial capability to trigger Elias’ release clause. They can also offer the player a lucrative contract to persuade him to make the move.

Given that the 20-year old is under contract until 2029, Shakhtar have the upper hand in negotiations and are likely to stick to their demands. The report also states that the player’s camp are aware of the rising interest in his signature and have received approaches from potential suitors.

The report continues: “SunSport were told Elias is fully aware that these clubs are tracking him and his representatives have started receiving more concrete signals from interested parties. It is understood that the striker remains open to a transfer to Europe’s top leagues if presented with the right sporting project.”

Kaua Elias Career Stats

Final Thoughts

Elias matches the profile of young, exciting footballers with a high ceiling whom United have targeted in recent times. However, his lack of experience at the highest level in European football does raise questions about the move.

✅ The player fits United’s tactical and financial profile. ⚠️ Reported by a source with a poor Manchester United track record. ⚠️ No official bid has yet been reported.

TPP view We believe United’s interest in Kaus Elias is a part of routine scouting exercise. As such, it may be too early to suggest that INEOS will move for him, especially given his lack of experience of top-tier European experience.