Manchester United can extend Premier League record amid Cristiano Ronaldo goals comparison

Manchester United and their supporters have had precious little to savour this season - but they could extend an existing Premier League record against Brighton on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm). United are preparing to make the long, long trip south after getting back to winning ways on Monday night.

Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo (pen) and Raphael Varane - with his first goal for the club - settled the scores during a routine win over Brentford and all three will almost certainly start at the Amex Stadium. While qualification for the Champions League is still mathematically possible, United have been forced to go back to the drawing board for revised targets this season.

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As Arsenal and Tottenham continue to battle for a top-four finish, United will likely have to settle for a place in the Europa League. Despite question marks over their home form, Brighton should prove testing opposition for United.

However, in terms of the recent meetings, the Old Trafford giants have won seven straight games against the Seagulls in all competitions. That is their longest sequence against current Premier League sides. As for Ronaldo, meanwhile, he is closing in on a rather notable goal tally during his second spell at the club.

With two matches to play, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 24 goals in all competitions. That includes 18 in the Premier League and that is the same number Ronaldo totted up in his final season for United before making a move to Real Madrid in 2009.

Will he surpass that total against Brighton? Ronaldo needed 29 appearances to score 18 in 2008-2009 and he heads into Saturday's game with an identical