The convoluted way the draw was organised meant that United had to face one of Barcelona, Valencia, Bordeaux and Mallorca, so to get the team currently in 17th place in Primera Liga is something of a result. Although it should be remembered that Celta Vigo, who ran Arsenal close a couple of weeks ago, are in 18th place.
The first leg of the game takes place on Thursday March 11 at St James’ Park, with the return at Estadio Son Moix on Thursday March 25.
Mallorca have so far seen off Apoel Nicosia, FC Copenhagen and Spartak Moscow and their squad features a number of familiar faces, including Samuel Eto’o, Miguel Nadal and Finidi George.
The draw was also made for the remainder of the competition, meaning that beating the Spanish club will see us meet either Auxerre or PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals, for a semi-final place against Internazionale, Liverpool, Benfica or Marseille.
And if you’re feeling really optimistic, or drunk, tickets for the final in Gothenburg go on sale via the UEFA website on March 15.
Full draw
Fourth round
1 CELTIC v Barcelona
2 Genclerbirligi v Valencia
3 Bordeaux v Club Bruges
4 NEWCASTLE v Real Mallorca
5 Auxerre v PSV Eindhoven
6 Inter Milan v Benfica
7 LIVERPOOL v Marseille
8 Villarreal v Roma
Games to be played on 11 and 25 March
Quarter-finals
1 Winner match 3 v Winner match 2
2 Winner match 7 v Winner match 6
3 Winner match 1 v Winner match 8
4 Winner match 5 v Winner match 4
Games to be played 8 and 14 April
Semi-finals
1 Winner quarter-final 4 v Winner quarter-final 2
2 Winner quarter-final 3 v Winner quarter-final 1
Games to be played 22 April and 6 May