The day after the resignation of the rector, Brito Foucher, a group led by Gual, Roberto Medellin Ostos and Raul Cervantes Ahumada was presented to the rectory of the University.

They were concerned about the University being considered leaderless and thus formed the group known as "Directorio" which sought to save the institution and take over the offices.

The council unanimously appointed Manuel Gual as rector, who set out to perform the actions deemed necessary to resolve the crisis of the university.

Although some resistance, but interested in resolving the conflict that put the university in crisis, this group of academics, like the one led by Aguilar, obeyed the president's decision and after the resignation of Gual Vidal, delivered to the members of the Board of exrectors the building of the rectory.

He joined the cabinet of president, Miguel Alemán Valdés as secretary of public education, a post he held throughout the administration.