A chance to complete a rare domestic cup double came and went, with City victorious in the first Manchester derby final.
Maguire stayed on the bench for that one and, when the two clubs met for a rendezvous 12 months later, won by United, he was sidelined through injury again – a problem that would also keep him out of the European Championship in Germany.
To miss one final is unfortunate, but to have to sit out of three in four years with club and country just seems cruel.
But now, as we approach another showpiece event, Harry has the perfect opportunity to put those frustrations behind him – and few in football would begrudge him that.