Fabinho has aimed a jibe at three of his Brazil team-mates for joining Manchester United, insisting it is the 'wrong place'.
Casemiro and Antony moved to Old Trafford this summer in big-money transfers from Real Madrid and Ajax respectively, while Fred signed in 2018, with all three named alongside the Liverpool midfielder in Tite's World Cup squad.
But in comments that could undermine team spirit in the camp, Fabinho told Brazilian outlet UOL that the trio of his compatriots chose the wrong club - hinting Liverpool would have been a better place for them.
He said: '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.
'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, Antony, there are a lot of Brazilians going to the wrong place in the country.'
New United manager Erik ten Hag splashed out £70million on defensive midfielder Casemiro, 30, from Los Blancos and £85.5m on winger Antony from his former club Ajax, while Fred was brought in for £47m four years ago.
While Fred has struggled at times to convince bosses and fans, Casemiro has been an assured presence at the base of the midfield, while the exciting Antony has three goals in six Premier League games.
Although Fabinho has excelled for most of his Liverpool career, with Jurgen Klopp's side enjoying huge dominance over their bitter rivals in the last five years, this season United are four points above the Reds, while the 29-year-old has struggled.