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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

'Too bad' - Liverpool midfielder Fabinho aims cheeky dig at Manchester United trio

Fabinho has aimed a light-hearted dig at Manchester United's three Brazilian players, insisting they each made a mistake by signing for Liverpool's fiercest rival.

Fred was United's only representative of Brazil following Alex Telles' exit on loan until the summer transfer window, which saw the midfielder joined by two of his international team-mates in the form of Antony and Casemiro. Recruited from Ajax and Real Madrid respectively, the pair cost the club a combined figure of £140million in upfront transfer fees.

Antony, Casemiro and Fred were all named in Tite's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, where they will join forces with Alisson Becker and Fabinho, and have been sent constructive criticism over their decision to play for United at club level.

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"When I left and saw him (Casemiro) winning opportunities at Real, I always sent him a congratulatory message. Regardless of whether we compete for position, we get along very well," Fabinho told UOL of the summer switch completed by the 30-year-old.

"He had already commented that he'd like to play in the Premier League. Too bad he went to the wrong place in England, huh? I hope he doesn't improve Manchester United that much. He, Fred and Antony, there are a lot of Brazilians going to the wrong place in the country."

Fabinho is set for his first taste of featuring at a World Cup for his country, having failed to make the cut in 2018 despite catching the eye at Monaco. Shortly after the tournament in Russia, the 29-year-old completed a move to Liverpool and has since fought his way into contention for Brazil.

"I wasn't at the 2018 World Cup and I know that the change of position made me lose ground in that cycle," he said in respect of his omission four years ago. "I was flying as a midfielder at Monaco and there was already interest from big European clubs but nothing from the national team.

"I knew I needed to take the next step, to fight for more titles to get back on the team's radar. It was a personal goal. I was already five years in Monaco and had an interest in playing in the Spanish or English league. And then Liverpool came and I already embraced it."

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