Harry Maguire will be absent from Manchester United’s showdown against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday. As United makes a final push to secure silverware this season, Erik ten Hag is hopeful that the team will emerge victorious in the FA Cup final.

The oldest cup competition in football will find its way back to Manchester this summer, but time is limited for preparations. Maguire, who played a crucial role in United’s defense before his injury, was part of the starting lineup in the semi-final victory against Coventry City.

During the season, there was a period when Maguire was the only fit center-back available to Ten Hag. However, the Dutch manager confirmed on Wednesday that Maguire would miss the final game of the 2023/24 season due to his injury setback.

Maguire expressed his disappointment via Instagram stories, stating, “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!”

Although Maguire’s absence is heartfelt, it’s not the first time United have had to go into a final without their center-back due to injury. Maguire missed the 2021 Europa League final against Villarreal, which unfortunately ended in defeat.

In an interview on Wednesday, Maguire mentioned that he was hopeful of making the matchday squad to face City but admitted it was ‘touch and go’ pending late examinations. There remains a glimmer of hope that circumstances might change.