Man Utd lead chase for huge Brazilian talent Elias with deadly finish and 'mental resolve'

Manchester United are targeting an exciting Brazilian youngster who is prolific in front of goal and also has shown himself to have great mental resolve.

Kauã Elias, 20, chose the perfect moment to hit a hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk with United scouts watching as he showed off his quality in attack but he also has a large number of other clubs following him.

United's biggest challenger to his signing are Arsenal while AC Milan and Porto are also interested in the striker.

Shakhtar are understood to value the striker at around £30 million, and interest is expected to intensify before the transfer window closes.

United believe he has all the attributes to develop into a top-class centre-forward having made rapid progress from starting off as a Fluminense youth player. He broke into the first team in 2024 and has quickly moved on to Shakhtar.

Looking back at his big break at Fluminense he highlights the need to be mentally strong.

He said: "It was a phase where I had to mature quickly. Out of nowhere, I had the opportunity to come on against Criciúma and score my first goal.

"I realised that you have to work hard and stay focused. I confess I didn't know how to react. Then came the media attention, the fame, the recognition on the street.

"I wasn't used to that, but I think I handled it well. Fluminense was the club that launched me into the world, so it's great to be able to help the club."

Elias is not simply a traditional No.9 who waits for chances inside the penalty area.

The Brazilian combines intelligent movement with technical ability, allowing him to play with his back to goal, stretch defences with runs in behind and link play with teammates.

His hat-trick against Kudrivka showcased exactly why Europe's biggest clubs are taking notice.

Scoring with his head, left foot and right foot, Elias demonstrated his aerial strength, composure and ability to finish with either foot—qualities scouts believe separate him from many strikers of his age.

Perhaps most importantly, he is comfortable pressing from the front, something that fits perfectly with the high-intensity style Michael Carrick wants his United side to play.

Elias would not necessarily arrive as an automatic starter, but as a forward capable of developing alongside the club's existing young core.

His mobility would offer Carrick another attacking option capable of leading the press, while his willingness to run beyond defenders would create more space for creative players such as Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.

Unlike many young forwards, Elias is equally effective linking attacks outside the box before arriving in dangerous goalscoring positions.

That versatility would give Carrick another tactical option, whether playing as a lone striker or alongside another forward.

United are unlikely to have a free run at the Brazilian. Arsenal also sent scouts to watch Elias in action and are understood to have been highly impressed by what they saw, while AC Milan and Porto remain firmly in the race.

Shakhtar are believed to value the former Fluminense youngster at around £30 million and have made it clear they are not looking to negotiate below that figure. The Ukrainian club tied Elias to a long-term contract after signing him in 2025 and are in a strong negotiating position.

United's recruitment strategy under INEOS has focused heavily on signing players before they reach their peak value.

Rather than waiting for talents to become £70-80 million stars, the club have targeted younger players with elite potential who can develop into first-team regulars at Old Trafford.

Elias fits that model perfectly.

At just 20 years old, he already has experience in European football, possesses the physical attributes required for the Premier League and has shown he can deliver on the biggest stages.

With scouts reportedly delivering glowing assessments after his latest display, it is no surprise that United's interest is growing.