Juan Cuadrado Not Joining Manchester United

Manchester United's pursuit of Fiorentina and Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado is over after manager Vincenzo Montella said the 26 year-old would remain at the Serie A side.

United have been heavily linked with a move for Cuadrado, who was among the breakout stars from the 2014 World Cup as Colombia reached the quarter-final, before being knocked out by hosts Brazil.

Though United's efforts to bring in new players is expected to swell following the opening-day defeat to Swansea City, any hopes Louis van Gaal had of signing Cuadrado have been ended.

"I have never thought of losing Juan," Montella told La Nazione. "He's been here in the past, he is here now, and he will be here in the future. I don't think about how his story might finish. A player like him can play in every position in midfield."

Van Gaal has made no secret over his desire to bolster United's options in wide areas, despite having Antonio Valencia, Wilfried Zaha, Ashley Young, Nani and Adnan Januzaj in his ranks.

United 'lacking players'

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach has bemoaned the resources available to him and during the summer said he was forced to adapt his desired style of play such are his selection problems.

"At this moment, we have five number nines and four number tens – and we don't have wingers to give us attacking width," he said.

"Or, I should say, we don't have wingers of the highest level, like Ronaldo or Di Maria or somebody like that. So, I have to play in another way – and you have seen that already. I only buy when I think we need to buy – in the position that is necessary."

United are reportedly interested in signing Angel di Maria from Real Madrid in a deal worth £100m ($167.2m, 125m). However, the club's operations in the transfer window have been uncertain, with only two additions made: Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw.