All eyes on Xisco and Colo in Depor!
Here in La Coruna it has been like a case of Friends Re-United for several of the Toon squad ahead of their friendly with Deportivo La Coruna.
Indeed both Xisco and Fabricio Coloccini returned to their old club when they touched down in Spain on Monday night.
Both have been the subject of media interest locally along with Jose Enrique, who is highly regarded in Spain despite his lack of international success with the world and European champs.
United's friendship with Deportivo is evident and the two clubs agreed to play in the annual Trofeo Teresa Herrera final not long after the signing of Fabricio Coloccini.
It may have been tounge in cheek but a few Depor fans last night jokingly chanted "Gracias" when I mentioned Colo and the ã10million fee United coughed up two years ago.
There's no denying Colo found it a struggle in his first year in the Premier League but you have to be prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, given his rock steady performances in the Championship.
After all, it does take overseas stars a while to settle in England.
Xisco has plenty of work to do to win the United fans over, a player United paid a hefty fee for two years ago.
But he has shown willing so far in the pre-season games.
If he can start converting his new found love for United into goals, it will certainly be interesting to see where his Toon career goes from here.
Reading a copy of Marca last night I observed that United will take on a Depor team that have won just once in pre-season and that don't boast any big name players like times of old.
I have fond memories of watching them beat Manchester United in the days of Diego Tristan but for Newcastle tonight will be another step up in class.
Depor were happy enough with 10th spot in La Liga last season but fans here tell me they want the glory nights of Europe back - just like Newcastle!
It's a magnificent setting here in La Coruna with the stadium a short walk from the beach.
And the handful of Newcastle fans were enjoying the 25 degree conditions here in Galicia.
A confidence boosting win would complete a good trip so far.
*Join us tonight for exclusive live coverage of the game in La Coruna.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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