Gary Neville has crowned Casemiro as Manchester United's most important player, amid the Brazilian's stunning impact since his arrival from Real Madrid.
But he admitted that he could not believe the three other stars he was naming as United's crucial players. The former Red Devils skipper included Marcus Rashford, David de Gea and Raphael Varane alongside Casemiro, the only Erik ten Hag signing to feature.
That trio have struggled over recent campaigns, particularly last season under the ill-fated reigns of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. And Neville admitted to being left astonished by their turnaround since Ten Hag took charge.
"In order, I'd go: Casemiro, Rashford, De Gea and Varane in equal third at this moment in time. I can't believe I'm saying that, I mean forget Casemiro he wasn't here last year," he told Sky Sports.
"But I can't believe I'm saying that Varane, De Gea and Rashford have elevated themselves into a position now where you feel they're in great form, without them, you saw last night De Gea made saves, Rashford had to come on, Casemiro had to come on.
"Varane didn't come on [vs West Ham], but I do feel like he's the most important centre-back now, particularly in the big matches and that's why he was rested and gets rested for the bigger games.
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"Obviously he has injury problems sometimes and has done in the last two or three years. But Casemiro, closely followed by Rashford. But then I'd go Varane and De Gea in third position equally."
Casemiro's importance to United cannot be overstated, with the midfielder making 34 appearances since his summer arrival. He proved key as the Red Devils completed a late comeback over West Ham on Wednesday.
Ten Hag brought him off the bench for the second-half, with United scoring three goals in the final 13 minutes to come from behind and reach the quarter-finals. And Neville believes that Casemiro's influence over the dressing room could be clearly seen during his display.
"This team are starting to build a trust in the fans, a trust in ourselves watching and in opposition teams as well that they're never out of a game. They've got a great spirit, they never feel like they're beaten," Neville added.
"What Casemiro has done to that dressing room and that team is off the scale. There was a free-kick that Bruno Fernandes had and Casemiro went and pointed to a spot and told him to put it there, Bruno put it there and he headed it.
"The goalkeeper saved it but he just looks at this moment in time like he's in complete control of that team. He looks like such a dominant force. I feel myself that they're not going to win the title but I wouldn't like Casemiro chasing me down.
"If Arsenal or City drops points in this next month or so, I wouldn't like Casemiro chasing me down in the run-in. He's the type of person on his own in that club that could have a massive impact."
