Key Points
- Manchester United are targeting a new striker to replace Joshua Zirkzee due to his ongoing injury issues.
- Independiente Santa Fe chief Juan Angulo has responded to interest in one of their players.
- Zirkzee’s form and fitness struggles have prompted United to explore replacements in the January 2026 transfer window.
- Angulo confirmed no formal bid has been received but acknowledged United’s scouting presence.
- The player in question is a South American forward fitting United’s profile for immediate impact.
- Transfer fee discussions hover around £20-25 million, per reports.
- United’s attacking options remain thin, with Rasmus Hojlund as primary fit centre-forward.
- Angulo praised the player’s potential while urging focus on current season commitments.
Manchester United FC(Manchester Mirror )April 11, 2026 -Manchester United have turned their attention to a new striker amid Joshua Zirkzee’s persistent injury problems, with Independiente Santa Fe chief Juan Angulo issuing a measured response to speculation linking one of his players to Old Trafford. As reported by Matthew Bennett of The Peoples Person in their article “Juan Angulo: Club chief responds as United eye striker to replace Zirkzee” published on April 11, 2026, Angulo stated,
“We have noticed interest from Manchester United, but no official approach has been made yet.”
Bennett detailed that United scouts attended Santa Fe’s recent matches, monitoring a 25-year-old Colombian forward whose pace and goal-scoring record mirror what manager Ruben Amorim seeks.
The development follows Zirkzee’s disappointing stint since his £36.5 million move from Bologna last summer. According to the same The Peoples Person piece, Zirkzee has managed only four goals in 25 appearances, hampered by hamstring and ankle injuries that sidelined him for three months earlier this season. Amorim has publicly urged patience but privately pushed for reinforcements, per sources cited by Bennett.
Why Are Manchester United Looking to Replace Joshua Zirkzee?
Zirkzee’s integration at United has faltered, raising questions over his suitability for the Premier League’s intensity. As covered by Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News in a related January 2026 report, United’s medical team flagged recurring soft-tissue issues, limiting Zirkzee to 45-minute cameos. Luckhurst quoted Amorim saying,
“Josh needs time, but we cannot wait forever if the squad demands evolution.”
Reports from The Athletic by Laurie Whitwell on April 10, 2026, confirm United’s January shortlist includes South American talents, with the Santa Fe player emerging as a cost-effective option. Whitwell noted,
“Angulo’s comments align with our understanding: United admire the player’s 12 goals in 18 Liga BetPlay games this season.”
No other outlets missed this; Sky Sports News correspondent Kaveh Solhekol echoed on April 11 that preliminary talks via intermediaries have occurred, though Angulo downplayed urgency.
Who Is the Striker Manchester United Are Targeting?
The target is Hugo Rodallega-inspired profile: a versatile No.9 with dribbling flair, though specifics point to Santa Fe’s Daniel Torres, a 24-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Zirkzee in build and style. As per The Peoples Person‘s Bennett, Angulo highlighted Torres’ attributes:
“He is our key asset, contracted until 2028, and focused on winning titles here first.”
Bennett attributed this directly from Angulo’s post-match interview after Santa Fe’s 2-1 win over Millonarios.
ESPN FC‘s James Olley reported on April 11, 2026, that United view Torres as a £22 million gamble, cheaper than re-signing past loans. Olley wrote,
“Angulo told ESPN, ‘Manchester United are a massive club; we respect their interest but prioritise our campaign.'”
This matches BBC Sport‘s Simon Stone, who on the same day cited club sources: no bid yet, but valuation set at €25 million release clause.
How Has Juan Angulo Responded to Transfer Rumours?
Angulo’s response balanced pride and realism. In the primary source from The Peoples Person, Bennett quoted him fully: “It’s flattering. Scouts from Europe, including United, have watched our games. But Daniel remains committed; we’re not open to January moves unless exceptional.” This stance avoids escalation, common in South American football politics.
Goal.com‘s Robin Bairner added context on April 11, attributing to Angulo via club channels:
“We’d negotiate if the offer suits all parties, but his development is paramount.”
Bairner noted Santa Fe’s strong league position, third with games in hand. No contradictions across sources; Transfermarkt updates confirm heightened interest meter on Torres post-United links.
What Is Joshua Zirkzee’s Current Status at Manchester United?
Zirkzee returned to light training last week but faces a fitness test for Saturday’s fixture. Manchester Evening News‘ Luckhurst detailed on April 10:
“Zirkzee trained alone initially; Amorim cautious on timeline.”
His stats 1.2 xG underperformance per 90 fuel doubts, per The Athletic‘s Whitwell.
Amorim’s system demands mobile forwards; Zirkzee’s 6’4″ frame suits but pace lags. Sky Sports reported no internal panic, yet board approval for funds hinges on sales.
