[1] Born in El Astillero, Cantabria, Preciado appeared in 59 La Liga matches for local Racing de Santander, split between three of his five-year spell with the club.

After three years in Segunda División (two of them with Linares CF), Preciado resumed his career in the lower leagues, eventually retiring in 1992 with lowly Gimnástica de Torrelavega also in his native region, at nearly 35.

[12] Subsequently, he avoided relegation with the lowest budget of all 20 teams[13] after a 2–1 home defeat of Recreativo de Huelva in the last round on 31 May 2009,[14] renewing his contract later that year.

In November 2010, after resting almost his entire starting XI for a fixture against FC Barcelona two months earlier, eventually losing 1–0 away, he was accused by Real Madrid manager José Mourinho of throwing the match, and responded by calling the Portuguese a "bad colleague" and a "scumbag".

"[1] Spain national team manager Vicente del Bosque, in Poland to prepare for UEFA Euro 2012, told Spanish sports daily Marca "We are all shocked.

"[1] Mourinho issued an open letter on Real Madrid's official website, saying in part that "He had everything I like in people and sportsmen: character, honesty and the courage to fight on.

[25] The same day, the city Mayor announced she would make a proposal to name a street close to the stadium "Alameda de Manuel Preciado".

[26] On 7 June 2013, one year after Preciado's death, a bronze statue was inaugurated near El Molinón, with the funds being arranged through popular donations.