Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close watch on Shakhtar Donetsk's rising star, Kaua Elias, as the summer transfer window approaches. The 18-year-old Brazilian forward has been turning heads with his performances in Ukraine, and it appears the Red Devils are eager to join the race for his signature.

While strengthening the midfield remains United's top priority this summer, the attacking department is shaping up to be a key area of focus as well. With loanees Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho expected to leave permanently at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, the club could find themselves short of firepower up front. Rashford is tipped to join Barcelona on a permanent deal, while Sancho's contract is set to expire—United have the option to extend it by a year but have no intention of doing so, preferring to let him go as a free agent.

Add to that the uncertainty surrounding Joshua Zirkzee's future. The Dutch striker has struggled for minutes this season under both Ruben Amorim and interim boss Michael Carrick. His recent start against Sunderland, in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, ended in disappointment as a goalless stalemate saw him fail to make an impact. With AC Milan and Juventus reportedly circling, a return to Italy could be on the cards for Zirkzee, leaving United even more stretched in attack.

To avoid being left thin in forward areas, United may need to dip into the market—and according to Centredevils, Elias has emerged as a target. The outlet claims, "CentreDevils can exclusively reveal that Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias has been scouted by Manchester United. The Brazilian, who joined Shakhtar last season, is seen by many as a future wonderkid as he’s shone for the national team at youth level. Due to that, many English Premier League clubs have been looking at the striker and United are one of them."

While there's little to suggest a deal is imminent, Zirkzee's potential exit could accelerate United's interest. A versatile attacker capable of playing as a striker, winger, or second striker, Elias has already racked up 11 goals and seven assists this season—a tally that makes him a tantalizing prospect for any club looking to add youthful flair to their frontline. For United fans, this could be one to watch as the summer window heats up.