Although they are ranked 6th now, but with their mediocre and even disappointing performances, it will make fans or anyone else feel that they will not be able to maintain their current position. For me personally it's not just the standings, it's the pattern of play they show too. sometimes some people don't care about the standings, but if their play is promising it will make them satisfied. Logically, when their play is good and promising, then their ranking in the standings will follow as well as their performance. I'm sure you know what I mean.
We're too focus to see the bad performance by Manchester United, but we forget if other clubs' performance also unstable and that resulting the points are widely spread. It's not like in the last season where the gap between top and middle positions are really far, it's need many many match to overtake them.
What we need to highlight is Newcastle which currently behind Manchester United.
In my opinion, Manchester united has not changed this season, in fact they have experienced a slight decline in starting the league this season, and it is not surprising because Manchester United itself has not really changed the team scheme while still retaining its old players, so it is not surprising that their performance has not changed either.
Maybe there will be an increase in team performance, but it will take a long time and many matches ahead for a coach to find a scheme that is suitable for a team with limited players.