This season Carragher does not want United to fail; he wants Liverpool to succeed - a subtle difference, but one he is keen to emphasise.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "United got No .19 last season and that hurt everybody connected with Liverpool. But we can't just sit here hoping they don't win another one.
"If we want to stop them being champions then the best way to do it is to finish top ourselves. It's the same with the Champions League. I don't want to be sat here in 10 years' time talking about the fact that United have won more European Cups than us - and the best way to stop that is to qualify for the Champions League and win it again.
"What was it for them - 26 years was it? We'll be doing what we can to make sure we don't break their record! I think during that time, they also got relegated. I don't think that will ever happen to Liverpool - and you can quote me on that. I won't stop hoping or believing, but I am realistic enough to know that time is running out for me to win it.
"I think what the manager has been quick to address is the fact that we haven't had the same strength in depth as other top teams. It can't be just about 1 to 11.
"It's a squad game now because of all the matches and the boss has really prepared for that.
"In the past we have perhaps relied on the likes of Stevie (Gerrard) or (Fernando) Torres a bit too much and I think that's something the manager has been looking to address with the signings he's made."