If asked who the Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder on the pitch was on Saturday, you'd have likely guessed that it was Casemiro, with the Manchester United warrior proving so influential in the stunning 2-0 victory.
More than 18 months on from that night at Selhurst Park and Jamie Carragher's damning criticism, the 33-year-old Brazilian was imperious on his 19th Premier League start of the season, rightly claiming the Man of the Match award.
There should well have been a second-half goal to provide the icing on the cake, with the midfielder seeing his dinked, close-range effort denied, although it was difficult not to be overwhelmingly positive about his performance under Michael Carrick's watch.
You could see too just how much playing for United means to him, having leapt onto Carrick's shoulders following Mason Mount's ultimately disallowed late strike, with there a remarkable hunger and desire remaining for a player who has already won it all.
Casemiro-Man-Utd-Man-City
The Old Trafford hierarchy, however, are unlikely to be swayed too greatly even amid such a fine recent renaissance, with midfield replacements already being lined up.
£20m star wants to Man Utd to replace Casemiro
As revealed by The Athletic last week, there is an option of a one-year extension in Casemiro's contract, with the ex-Real Madrid man's existing deal set to expire in June.
casemiro-man-utd-career-path
The report outlined that such a clause will be triggered if United's number 18 does start 35 games this season, ensuring he'd have to start all remaining 16 games for that extension to be activated.
Were that to be the case, his currently reduced salary would also return to its full status, provided United qualify for the Champions League, with that likely to be a scenario INEOS are keen to avoid.
Casemiro's hopes of maintaining his regular starting role could well be hampered too by the signing of a player like Ruben Neves, with Football Insider reporting that the Portugal international wants to join the Red Devils this month.
Indeed, the report claims that Neves would be open to a return to England, with his own deal at Saudi side Al Hilal set to expire this summer and with no agreement having been reached over fresh terms.
If INEOS were to strike, the 28-year-old would be available for a knock-down price of around £20m.
Why Neves signing would be bad news for Casemiro
With Manuel Ugarte reportedly the subject of interest from Ajax, there really is a lack of depth outside of Saturday's starting trio of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Casemiro-Ugarte-Man-Utd
Carrick could well look to the academy to plug the gap, although there would be wisdom in pursuing a ready-made talent like Neves, someone who operates in a similar style to the Englishman himself at the base of the midfield.
With Fernandes and Mainoo taking up more advanced, ball-playing midfield roles, it would be Casemiro whom Neves would be vying with for a starting berth, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man a classy operator in his own right as a deep-lying number six or number eight.
Ruben-Neves-Wolves-record-timeless
Described as an "unbelievable technician" by analyst Raj Chohan, Neves would be a genuine threat to the South American hero, having previously dazzled in the Premier League at Molineux.
In his most recent top-flight campaign in England, for instance, back in 2022/23, the one-time Porto man was noted as being a statistically and stylistically similar player to Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, as per FBref, two men who have since commanded £100m plus transfer fees in recent years.
Neves - 22/23 PL stats
Stat (*per game)
Games (starts)
Goals
Assists
Big chances created
Key passes*
Pass accuracy*
Tackles*
Interceptions*
Total duels won*
Stats via Sofascore
It is easy to see where that comparison stems from, with Neves an asset in every department, notably shining in possession after ranking in the top 20% of midfielders that season for progressive passes per 90, as well as in the top 16% for passes attempted.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
Defensively too, the then-Wolves skipper was a real asset for the Old Gold, ranking in the top 3% for clearances, the top 14% for blocks and the top 17% for tackles made, making him a perfect screen in front of the back four.
Like Casemiro too, who has scored four league goals this season, Neves is also such a weapon in attack, having ranked in the top 14% for total shots, highlighting his knack for the spectacular from range.
The move to Saudi Arabia may have worked against him amid his hopes of securing a return to an elite club back in Europe, but still only 28, he remains in his peak years, making him the perfect successor to the veteran Casemiro in Manchester.
Ruben Neves goal involvements per season (timeless)
On current evidence, you wouldn't bet against the Brazilian starting every game from now until the end of the season, and securing that contract extension, although if a figure like Neves were to sign, such hopes would surely be dashed.
Manchester-United-Ruben-Neves Related
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