"I rate the World Tour Finals after Grand Slams as the biggest event in our sport, so being the titledefender is a big responsibility, but I don't think I'm the favourite, " he tells BBC Sport after the photo call ends.
An own goal by Heartland defender Emmanuel Ompdiagbe after 73 minutes was enough to secure Mazembe their third African club championship title after they trailed 2-1 from last weekend's first leg.
Prior to the game, former United defender Gary Neville had told United Review media that City's handsome derby victory and dramatic title had led to erroneous claims in the media.