Born in Cáceres, Extremadura, Manolo grew up in the ranks of local CP Cacereño, making his senior debut with the club at the age of 17.

After two years with CE Sabadell FC, the last in the Segunda División, he moved to Real Murcia in the same level, helping it promote to La Liga in the 1985–86 season then scoring 11 goals in 36 appearances the following campaign, with the team retaining their top-flight status.

[1] In summer 1988, Manolo signed with Atlético Madrid, where he knew his most successful years, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Paulo Futre.

[3][4] Manolo retired in October 1996 at the age of 31, after half a season with CP Mérida where he failed to appear in any matches due to a serious tibia injury, as he was just four goals shy of 100 in the Spanish top tier.

[8][9] Manolo made his debut for Spain immediately after having been bought by Atlético Madrid, scoring against the Republic of Ireland on 16 November 1988 for the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification stages.