United, who are in group D, knew they would be facing a rematch with the Spanish outfit yesterday, when UEFA confirmed the breakdown of the four pots from which the 16 remaining teams were drawn in Geneva.

Alex Ferguson’s side faced Deportivo four times in last year’s competition, losing twice in the opening group stage, before producing two of their best performances of the entire season to overcome the Spaniards 5-2 on aggregate in the quarter-final.

The second game will be remembered for Aldo Pedro Duscher’s wild challenge on England midfielder David Beckham which broke the midfielder’s foot, ruling him out of the remainder of United’s domestic campaign and almost preventing him turning out for England in the World Cup.

United’s other opponents in group D were confirmed today – and they have recent history on their side against the Italian giants.

Juventus were were beaten on the way to the 1999 final in Barcelona, the final leg of their memorable Treble, with Roy Keane inspiring a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down in the semi-final at the Stadio delle Alpi.

Basle were the team who denied Liverpool a place in the second group stages, holding off a late comeback on Tuesday to draw 3-3 in Switzerland and send Gerard Houllier’s men out of the Champions League and into the UEFA Cup.

The Gunners – the only non-Italian team in pot two, knew they were going to face Roma.

Arsene Wenger’s team, who finished top of group A despite finishing their opening series of group matches with a home draw against PSV Eindhoven, must also face Valencia – beaten finalists in two of the last three seasons and Ajax, who progressed from group D as runners-up to Inter Milan.

Inter await Newcastle, who edged out Dynamo Kiev for a second round place courtesy of Craig Bellamy’s late winner in Wednesday’s 3-2 group E win over Feyenoord.

Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen – runners-up in Manchester United’s group and conquerors of Arsenal, Liverpool and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in the competition last year – are the other opponents awaiting the Magpies.

The second round of matches start on Tuesday, November 26.