United have more points, wins & goals than 2016/17

The Reds currently have 71 points on the board and that is two more than the last campaign, when the team finished down in sixth place. It is also the highest tally in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. 

Jose Mourinho’s men are currently second in the table with 18 points left to play for, which means the possible end total could be 89 and no United side has achieved that number since 2012/13. 

With an Emirates FA Cup semi-final to come against Tottenham Hotspur, there is still an opportunity for the club to lift a trophy this season and underline what has ultimately been a season of progress. 

Of course, exiting the UEFA Champions League at the last-16 stage was disappointing and this club must never settle for second place in the league, but the bigger picture of transition remains in full view.

United ambassador Denis Irwin appeared on The Paddy Crerand Show on Monday night and he was keen to highlight United’s achievements, which exceed those of our much-praised rivals in the press.

“It feels like it has not been a great season because City have been outstanding in the league,” said the Irishman. “But when you look at the praise that Liverpool and Spurs have been getting... they are both four points behind us! We've got an FA Cup semi-final to come, but it feels like we haven't done that well and yet we have. We have improved drastically from last season.

"I think the signings have been fantastic. If you look at our best players this season, Matic and Lukaku are definitely in there and we will see the best of Sanchez next season. So, I think we are heading in the right direction.”

The 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium also means United have now beaten all 19 clubs in the Premier League this season and all of the top six. That marks definite progress on the last campaign when the Reds only earned 10 points from matches against Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, City and Arsenal.

“The trouble is that, here at United, we have set a standard for winning championship,” said two-time league winner Crerand on MUTV. “Some people are disappointed to be second. I feel a bit disappointed because when you look at the results we have had, beating Chelsea, Liverpool and City in recent weeks, but we are still second. In any other season we might be ahead at the top.”

United return to Premier League action on Sunday against West Bromwich Albion at 16:00 BST.