Harry Maguire’s absence will loom large over Manchester United’s clash with Manchester City at Wembley this Saturday. With United’s last-ditch bid for silverware this season resting on this FA Cup final, Erik ten Hag is banking on his team’s success on the road to Wembley.

The storied trophy, the oldest in football, is destined to find its home in Manchester once more this summer, but time is of the essence for preparations. Maguire, a linchpin in United’s defense before his injury setback, played a pivotal role in their semi-final victory against Coventry City.

During a tumultuous season, there were periods when Maguire stood as the lone sentinel in United’s center-back position. However, Ten Hag confirmed on Wednesday that Maguire’s injury would sideline him for the final showdown of the 2023/24 season.

Expressing his heartfelt dismay via Instagram stories, Maguire lamented, “Gutted I’ll be missing out on the final – I’d do anything to be available but now full focus on supporting the boys. Come on United!”

Maguire’s absence carries poignant echoes of the past, reminiscent of his unavailability for the 2021 Europa League final against Villarreal, a match that ended in bitter defeat for United.

In a candid interview on Wednesday, Maguire voiced hope of making the matchday squad against City, though he conceded that it was ‘touch and go,’ pending late assessments. Despite the uncertainty, a glimmer of optimism remains, hinting at the possibility of a change in circumstances.