Since his arrival from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, Brazilian international Casemiro has been electric for Manchester United. Given that the 30-year-old signed for £60million, rising to £70m, the Reds came under some criticism - from certain pundits - for the money they spent on the midfielder.
It was clear to most people that Casemiro - a five-time Champions League winner - would come in and improve United's midfield. It was a position that the club had been looking to strengthen for a number of years, but the decision to recruit Casemiro would not have been possible if Frenkie de Jong had not been insistent on remaining with Barcelona.
Casemiro has been one of Erik ten Hag's best performers this season, and even though it took a few games for the Brazilian to settle in Manchester, he has looked on point ever since he was paraded on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of United's Premier League visit of Liverpool in August.
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The midfielder has been an integral part of the Reds' success so far this season. His defensive work has allowed Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes to thrive further up the pitch, but the 30-year-old linchpin has also chipped in with two goals and four assists - including a vital equaliser against Chelsea in October.
Prior to joining United, Casemiro had, for a long time, held the mantle as the best holding midfielder in the world. There are - and have previously been - a host of players who have excelled in that role, but the Brazil international was, and certainly still is, viewed as the prime example of how a player should operate in the skilled position.
Understandably, given his role in the side, the former Los Blancos man has picked up a few yellow cards since the start of the campaign - four to be exact. The midfielder was booked in the 2-1 derby win over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon and is now in danger of missing the Reds' Premier League clash against Arsenal this coming weekend.
Casemiro was also carded against Wolves, Tottenham and Newcastle earlier in the campaign. Premier League rules state that players who receive five yellow cards within their team's first 19 league fixtures are suspended for one game.
Given that United have played 18 top-flight matches, Casemiro would miss the clash against the Gunners at the Emirates if he is booked against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Should the Reds overcome both the Eagles and Arsenal, they would reduce the gap between themselves and the league leaders to just three points.
Ten Hag has been hesitant to talk about his side being part of a title race, but it is simply a matter of fact that they are - regardless of whether or not that was the target two months ago. City and Arsenal are still favourites for the league title, and while that will benefit United, the main aim is still to secure Champions League football for next season.
While United currently have a five-point lead over fifth-placed Spurs - with a game in hand - the Reds will not be getting complacent, even if it does appear that a top-four finish is simply theirs to throw away. With that in mind, then, talk of a title charge should remain on the down-low - but it doesn't mean it can't be whispered about.
The fact that the Reds could be three points behind the Gunners at the start of next week should excite United fans, but it ultimately relies on Ten Hag's men overcoming Palace in midweek. The Eagles can't be underestimated, so should Casemiro be rested for the clash - simply to ensure he is available against Arsenal - United could potentially live to regret the call.
In all of the games in which Casemiro has played the full 90 minutes in the Premier League this term, United have lost just once. He has added bite and experience to the midfield and has allowed the players in front of him to flourish and play with confidence further up the pitch.
Palace have not lost at home to United since July 2020, and when the Reds arrive at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, it promises to be the same hostile atmosphere that the home fans always produce.
It is likely to be the sort of clash that the Reds need Casemiro on the pitch for - but it ultimately depends on much emphasis Ten Hag is putting on the Arsenal game, and how confident he is that Scott McTominay or Fred can fill the void left by the Brazilian if he is indeed rested against the Eagles.
Ten Hag has often spoken about focusing on the here and now, but his belief in that will be tested this week. You certainly could not blame the Dutchman for leaving Casemiro out so that he is available for the clash with Mikel Arteta's side, but it is a risk that United simply don't need to take.
Casemiro should also be given the opportunity to get through the game without being booked. It could prove to be out of his control, but a player of that experience is more than capable of being cautious when required.
United's full focus should be on Crystal Palace, and if that is indeed the case, then Casemiro starts at the base of midfield. Arsenal simply comes after.
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