Barcelona sports chief Eric Abidal passed up the chance to sign Manchester United striker Anthony Martial last season.

Barcelona have been looking for a long-term successor for Luis Suarez and they considered making a move for Martial.

Jose Mourinho was then-manager of the Red Devils and he did not offer the Frenchman too many first-team opportunities.

The Athletic reports Barcelona scouts suggested Martial to club bosses but technical director Abidal had big concerns.

The former defender was worried about the United striker's 'demeanour and attitude' in training.

Martial was frustrated by a lack of gametime under Mourinho as the club was going through a period of transition.

The 24-year-old has since become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's main No 9 and has scored 22 goals across all competitions this season.