The Red Devils find themselves within reaching distance of Liverpool.
Milner considers Man United to be genuine contenders this season.
Speaking after Wednesday’s goalless draw with Newcastle, Liverpool midfielder James Milner said: “I think it’s [being top is] a positive but it seems to be at this moment in time that nobody wants to take it by the scruff of the neck.

“We’ve dropped points, everyone seems to be dropping points. Manchester United have had a good run and they’re probably the only team who are putting a run together. It’s important that we need to kick on now.

“But the world is in a very strange place at the moment and it’s the same in football. Everybody’s lives are upside down, it’s tough mentally for everybody and it’s the same in football. We just need to keep plugging away.”

The Red Devils will go level on points in the Premier League table with Jurgen Klopp’s side if they manage to beat Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Friday.