Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United’s showdown with Man City at Wembley on Saturday.
In what will be United’s last-gasp attempt to win silverware this season, Erik ten Hag is hoping the Reds are victorious on their travels to Wembley with the FA Cup up for grabs.
The oldest cup in football will be returning to Manchester this summer one way or another, and time is running out in terms of preparation.
Maguire had been a key player of United’s defence prior to his injury setback, starting in the semi-final win against Coventry City.
There was a point during the season when Maguire was the only fit centre-back available to Ten Hag, but the Dutchman confirmed on Wednesday that he would be without the defender for the last game of the 2023/24 season.
Maguire has responded, commenting via Instagram stories to express his sadness at missing out on the game.
He wrote: “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 disappointment at missing out on the final is heartfelt, but it’s not the first time United have missed the centre-back going into a final after injury ruled him out of the 2021 Europa League final against Villarreal which sadly ended in defeat.
In an interview on Wednesday, Maguire said he was hopeful of making the matchday squad to face City, but admitted he was ‘touch and go’ ahead of late examinations.
Maybe with a bit of hope something might chance.
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