Although his major league playing career was brief, Manuel was the starting second baseman for the Montreal Expos in their only postseason series victory in 1981.

[5][6] Manuel spent the next three years as the Expos' roving infield instructor (1987) and their minor league field coordinator (1988–89).

[8] Midway through the campaign, he was brought up to Montreal to serve as the third base coach for the Expos,[5] ending a minor league managing career in which Manuel compiled a 112–82 record.

[10] Over one month later, in December, Manuel signed a multi-year deal to manage the Chicago White Sox.

His 2003 Topps baseball card reads: "Jerry has a philosophical air about him that makes him a sage influence and respected leader on his teams.

After six seasons directing the White Sox fortunes, he's risen to fourth on the franchise's managerial wins list.

"After departing the White Sox, Manuel joined the New York Mets organization in 2005 as the first base and outfield coach under new manager Willie Randolph.

In February 2007, he announced a contingency plan as he was introduced as the man who would lead the formation of a baseball program at William Jessup University, an NAIA school in Rocklin, California.

Omar Minaya announced Manuel as the interim manager, while Ken Oberkfell, Dan Warthen, and Luis Aguayo were brought up from the New Orleans Zephyrs (the then-Mets' Triple-A affiliate) to fill the remaining coaching vacancies.

The Mets were then eliminated from the National League Wild Card berth the following day when the team lost to the Florida Marlins 4–2 in the final game at Shea Stadium.

"[17] On January 16, 2014, it was announced that Manuel would be brought on as the Director of Baseball Operations at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California.