A moment of pure leadership saw Casemiro lift a struggling teammate, embodying the irreplaceable spark Manchester United desperately needs.
Since Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick in January, no side has picked up more points. Casemiro has been integral to that upturn in form.
A player whose influence often reveals itself in pressurised moments, he is a man for the big occasion - his trophy cabinet backs that up.
On Monday night, United welcomed Brentford to the Theatre of Dreams who, like United, are also dreaming of a European campaign for next season.
It was the hosts, though, who came out 2-1 victors, meaning they need just one more point from their remaining four games to clinch Champions League football.
Casemiro shows talismanic traits
Casemiro opened the scoring after United’s incessant early pressure finally told.
It was a familiar route to goal, with the Brazilian scoring a header from a set-piece on the second phase of play.
That goal took his tally for the season to nine - eight of those have been scored with his head, a Premier League record for United, one which only Dwight Yorke can match.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Maguire was full of admiration. He said: “I thought I was good at attacking in the box until I met him. His timing, his leap, his aggression, his technique - it is the best I have seen and worked with, and he is really clinical.”
Something else that is universally appreciated by his teammates is the character that he possesses, and Monday night offered a telling snapshot.
It was subtle, but significant.
There was a period in the game where Amad, who is going through a tricky spell at present, looked dejected. Casemiro saw and hugged him - The sort of moment that can shift a mindset and help reignite his spark.
Casemiro leaving United on a high
As farewell tours go, this one could not be going smoother.
In 2022, United were fixated on Frenkie de Jong, chasing a midfield built on control. When that pursuit collapsed, the move for Casemiro felt abrupt, almost reactive.
The fee was questioned, the age scrutinised - it certainly raised eyebrows. His arrival did not fit the long-term picture many had in mind.
But that is what has made his United career so compelling. He was belittled by Jamie Carragher when he said: “Leave the football before the football leaves you.” The Brazilian, though, is proof of the old adage: form is temporary, class is permanent.