As Manchester United and Tottenham prepare to clash in the 2025 Europa League final in Bilbao, Gary Neville has made a brutal claim: only one United player — Bruno Fernandes — would get into the current Spurs starting XI.
Neville, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, said he has a “sickly feeling” about the final next Wednesday and believes Spurs are the clear favourites based on the strength of their squad.
“Only Bruno Gets In” – Neville Slams United XI
Despite both sides underperforming in the Premier League this season (sitting 16th and 17th), Neville insisted that Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side have the stronger lineup.
“When you look at those players like for like with United, only Bruno would get into the first XI of Spurs.”
“I would choose every single player of Tottenham’s over Manchester United’s next Wednesday. That is my worry.”
— Gary Neville, via The Overlap Fan Debate
Neville pointed to players like Son, Maddison, Kulusevski, Bissouma, and Van de Ven as evidence of Spurs’ superiority, noting that even United’s goalkeeper position is 50/50 due to his doubts over both Onana and Vicario.
United’s European Run Offers Hope
While United have struggled in the league, their European form has provided relief. They beat Real Sociedad, Lyon, and Athletic Bilbao en route to the final. Tottenham, meanwhile, got past AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt to set up the all-English showdown.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro has forced his way back into the starting lineup, and Bruno Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat of the side — but questions persist over whether that will be enough to stop Spurs.
Predicted XI Comparison (Fully Fit)
| Position | Tottenham XI | Man Utd XI |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Guglielmo Vicario | André Onana |
| Midfield Leader | James Maddison | Bruno Fernandes |
| Forward Line | Son, Kulusevski, Solanke | Garnacho, HØJLUND, Antony |
- Gary Neville believes only Bruno Fernandes would make Tottenham’s starting XI.
- United have lost three times to Spurs this season — including the Carabao Cup.
- Both teams sit in the bottom five of the Premier League table but found form in Europe.
- Spurs’ squad depth and consistency have Neville predicting trouble for United in the final.
- Bruno and Casemiro remain key if United are to defy the odds in Bilbao.
What’s Next?
The 2025 Europa League final takes place on Wednesday, May 21, in Bilbao, with kick-off at 8:00 PM BST. It’s a chance for both sides to salvage a disappointing season — and earn a place in next year’s Champions League.
UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 or stream it for free via Discovery+.
But with Gary Neville’s stinging comparison still fresh in the minds of fans — claiming only Bruno Fernandes would get into Tottenham’s XI — Manchester United may arrive in Bilbao with a point to prove.
Do you agree with Gary Neville — is Bruno Fernandes the only United player who gets in the Spurs XI?
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