The butterfly effect is a fascinating concept. And it is a concept that often finds itself inextricably linked with football.
If Veronique Rabiot, mother and agent of Juventus midfielder Adrien, hadn't demanded such high terms for her son, would Manchester United have ended up signing the French midfielder as opposed to Casemiro?
The answer to that is unclear.
But it is fun to speculate that the mother of Adrien Rabiot, who has, to his credit, had a strong season in a faltering Juventus side, could have been a reason that United didn't end up signing Real Madrid's five-time Champions League-winning midfielder.
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That wasn't the only roadblock, in fairness. Or so it is suggested that United feared, anyway.
Accusations flew that Casemiro was only joining United because of the extortionate wages he was being offered by the club as Madrid started to phase their next generation of players into the side. But, as reports have revealed, United's 4-0 defeat to Brentford, which elicited concern that a deal could be jeopardised, only added fuel to Casemiro's fire.
And since, he has found himself a pivotal part of a United side that had long lacked an elite holding midfielder. Elite is probably an understatement at present too. He is arguably the best in the world in his position right now.
You can always gauge Ten Hag's intent by whether Casemiro is involved in his starting side, such is his significance. Hence eyebrows were raised somewhat when a nigh-on full strength side was named for United's FA Cup fourth round meeting with Reading on Saturday night, with a more favourable tie deemed by many as a good opportunity to rest players.
Couple that with the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, with the outcome of the tie almost a foregone conclusion, and it seemed a missed opportunity for a 10-day period to offer some players respite.
But Ten Hag consistently naming such strong starting sides is a signification of his intent. Complacency isn't in his remit. And that winning mentality is definitely part of the reason why Ten Hag and Casemiro have proven such a good fit for one another.
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The first half against Reading ambled on somewhat, albeit with a clear disparity between the sides. United controlled affairs and were front-footed in their approach, engineering 15 shots in the opening period.
Reading offered little and were hemmed back, with United often able to find space on the flanks, where Marcus Rashford and Antony carried threat. Rashford's skill and directness was particularly troubling for Reading, although he had the ball across the line with a less flashy back-post header following Wout Weghorst's header across goal.
However, with offside awarded by VAR despite Casemiro's pass deflecting and deviating significantly before reaching Weghorst, Rashford was prevented from scoring in an outright record 10th successive match at Old Trafford.
"Unfortunately, VAR got the better of me again today. That's three times this season," Rashford tweeted, accompanied by an angry face emoji given the contentious nature of the goal being disallowed. "Breaking the record for consecutive goals at OT would have been incredible, but I'm proud to have equalled Dennis Viollet's record."
The tweet only reinforced Rashford's newfound hunger, and embodied desire that has resonated around the squad since Ten Hag's appointment, and the additions of Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez - both big characters.
As it was, United were left to head into the break against Reading pondering missed opportunities. And they almost paid for their wastefulness - which saw only two of 15 shots on target - shortly before half-time, with a lapse from Tyrell Malacia seeing him dispossessed in his own penalty area.
To suggest United were in a precarious position would be disingenuous. But there was a sense that someone needed to step up.
And, in this scenario, Casemiro is a virtue.
Nine minutes into the second half, United led after a goal from Casemiro. Four minutes later, the Brazilian - not necessarily renowned for his attacking output - sealed a brace to double United's advantage.
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The move for Casemiro's first goal commenced with a switch of play by Christian Eriksen to Antony, whose threaded pass was accurate to meet a run in behind by Casemiro. A scan before making the dart emphasised the supreme intelligence that is a hallmark of Casemiro's game, while a dinked finish displayed intricacy.
The celebrations were telling of what Casemiro brings to United. He ensured to spend time pointing out Antony's impact to each corner of the stadium - a display of humility that encapsulated his value as a leader given Antony has been under fire for some subpar performances.
There are limitations to Antony's game at present, for instance a reluctance to go outside of his defender due to a lack of confidence on his right foot, which can make him predictable.
But the 22-year-old has started to show more signs of making positive strides in recent matches, standing out as a genuine threat at times against Reading - in no moment more so than providing a sumptuous assist for Casemiro's opening goal. He is excellent at getting into such areas, and will be a massive asset once end product is delivered more consistently.
Casemiro's actions, making sure that Antony gained plaudits, was important to alleviate some of the pressure on his compatriot. He is often much more than just what is football displays, helping to elevate the level of others. Selflessness is a watchword with Casemiro: others and the good of the team will always come before himself.
A blot on United's early second half surge against Reading was an ankle injury sustained by Eriksen - actually shortly before switching play ahead of Casemiro's first goal. He departed Old Trafford on crutches and wearing a boot after a late challenge from Andy Carroll, who was later sent off following another rash challenge.
Again, though, Casemiro showed his ability to step up when he is required after his midfield partner, with whom he has struck an excellent balance, was withdrawn. His brace was secured with a long-range strike shortly after, for which he showed awareness to spot the shooting opportunity, then precision to execute the attempt.
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Casemiro is an imperious figure, and his pedigree is such that, even as a holding midfielder, he is able to change games - shown in abundance against Reading.
It took him a very short amount of time to adapt once he broke into the starting side following a spell on the bench after first joining with Scott McTominay playing well. That didn't phase him though.
Few players are as mentally strong as Casemiro, and early errors were overcome as briskly as in the same match, which was the case against Everton as he lost possession for Alex Iwobi's early goal before providing an assist for Cristiano Ronaldo later that half.
He offers defensive solidity that United have longed for, protecting their centre-backs with aid of his strength in in duels and ability to break up possession through tackles and interceptions. He is no doubt a big part of the side's improved defensive solidity this term, and his aggression has made him a perfect fit for English football.
At the same time, he is more than just a facilitating, defensive powerhouse - what he was long regarded as in a midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric during his hugely successful stint in Madrid. He is a very multi-faceted player.
He has proven he is an able technician, with an ability to orchestrate play from the base of midfield with his superb passing technique. He has been a driving force going forward at times too, with five goals and four assists around the halfway point of the campaign not what was anticipated prior to the season, but nonetheless a reflection of his all-round ability.
His first goal against Reading was evidence of a more intricate side to his game. He is by no means just a forceful presence, often showing fleet-footedness to cover ground and close control to navigate past players.
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It couldn't be more evident that Casemiro didn't opt to join United just for the money and a swansong. It was the opposite, in fact. He thrives off challenges, and having won everything he could have done in Madrid, he was desperate for a new venture.
He seems happier than ever too. "I'm the happiest man alive," he said upon joining the club. And that was no facade. The smile he wears on the pitch speaks for itself.
Through both the intangibles, in essence his leadership, and also his football, he has had a profound impact this season. Any reservations have been quashed entirely.
It was down to Casemiro that United were so comfortable in the end against Reading. And, as a result, Ten Hag's decision to start his strongest side, in hand maintaining the momentum that has been built, was vindicated.
By the 60th minute, Ten Hag was able to grant rests to players that needed them. Over the course of the final half-hour, all of Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Weghorst were granted breaks to minimise their playing time given the wrath of fixtures at present.
And those introduced off the bench were able to show their worth too. Fernandes supplied substitute Fred shortly before his withdrawal, with the Brazilian producing a deft flick from Fernandes' low ball across. Fred's energy off the bench is something that cannot be undervalued, and an aspect of flair was also shown on Saturday night.
17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo was handed his second senior appearance as he replaced Casemiro, which gave a certain sense of the master and his apprentice.
Mainoo is mature beyond his years, looking by no means out of place - already a confident, assured player adept to featuring at this level. Having Casemiro to learn off will only further his game.
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A corner concession aside, when poor marking saw Reading able to pull back what ultimately proved to be a consolation goal, United navigated yet another cup match well. The approach - questioned initially given the factor of fatigue - was shrewd from Ten Hag.
Only one year ago, United were knocked out by Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round. Progressing with such ease against Championship opposition at the same stage this term is yet another marker of development.
United now have a manager able to guide them through knockout competitions effectively, and they have a group of players that are able to change matches.
And, with everything he represents, Casemiro is the face of Erik ten Hag's rebuild of Manchester United.
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