Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be back in the starting XI for Manchester United this weekend, as the Red Devils welcome Southampton to Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The Portugal international was only a substitute against Burnley in the league on Tuesday, featuring for the final 22 minutes of his side's 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.

However, the 37-year-old should be back in the side against Southampton this weekend, with Ralf Rangnick's side bidding to return to winning ways after dropping two points against the Clarets.

Ronaldo has been in impressive scoring form for the Red Devils during the 2021-22 campaign, finding the back of the net on 14 occasions in 25 appearances in all competitions.

The forward has struck eight goals and registered three assists in 19 Premier League outings, but he has not scored in England's top flight since the victory over Burnley at the end of December.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Ronaldo has performed against Southampton in the past.

© Reuters

Ronaldo has faced Southampton on four occasions during his professional career, boasting a record of three wins and one defeat against them, scoring twice in the process.

The majority of the attacker's outings against the Saints - three - have been in the Premier League, and he has won two and lost one of his three league fixtures against the Hampshire club.

Ronaldo faced Southampton twice during his first season at Old Trafford, featuring for 24 minutes of his side's 1-0 loss, before playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-2 home success later in the campaign.

The Portuguese also tackled the Saints once during the 2004-05 campaign, finding the back of the net in a 3-0 success at Old Trafford, but he missed the return fixture that season.

© Reuters

Ronaldo also tackled Southampton once in the FA Cup, scoring in a 4-0 victory in the sixth round of the competition in 2004-05.

The Saints are not a club that the attacker is used to facing, but the fact that he has previously scored against them at Old Trafford should stand him in good stead this weekend.

The former Sporting Lisbon youngster is currently on his longest goal drought in more than a decade, though, having failed to find the back of the net in his last five appearances in all competitions.

Edinson Cavani was picked ahead of him from the start against Burnley on Tuesday, but the Uruguay international found it difficult to make his mark at Turf Moor, and it would be a huge surprise if Ronaldo was not back in the starting side for Man United's 24th Premier League game of the season.