Liverpool have been absolutely awful and have just 40 points after 23 games. Last season they had 64 points after 22 games.
Being above them this season is hardly miraculous, hence why Leicester also have a 3 point lead on them and WHU are just one point behind. feck me, Everton are just 3 behind and have 2 games in hand.
Using a massively underperforming team as a yardstick is bizarre.
There are individual circumstances for every team that give context to that team's performance. The fixture schedule for the top teams in this environment is clearly a mitigating factor which makes comparing points totals across seasons completely futile.
United's major issue this season was the start and lack of preseason. They were extremely underdone to start the season and the recovery to get where they are now is incredible.
Liverpool haven't been "absolutely awful". They are on a bad run over the last 6 weeks. At Christmas, they were clear on top, had just won 7-0 and everyone was falling over themselves to kiss Klopp's arse and call them the best team ever. City were 8th and have since gone on an amazing run. They're the in-form team.
That is how this season will go. Games come thick and fast and it's not easy to change momentum and arrest a slide.
After a great run of form, United have slipped up. It will happen. They're a young inexperienced team with key players whose form fluctuates wildly, playing a crazy fixture schedule.
But their current position, 2nd in the league, after the start they had, is fantastic.