Gabriel Nicolae Manu started his football career at Sportul Studențesc București in 1990, in Junior League, where he won five national titles.

[citation needed] Manu started his managerial career early, at 22 years old, at Dinamo București, in Juniors & Children Center.

Two years later, Gabriel Manu became assistant coach 1st team at FCM Dunărea Galați, in Romanian second League.

[1][citation needed] Gabriel Manu graduated "National Academy of Physical Education and Sports" with bachelor's degree in 2006.

Meanwhile, Manu took and intensive course at Pro-Management Bucharest – Microsoft Certified Technical Education, called "Management and Marketing Skills" (2002–2003).