[3] Manley was brought to First Division club Manchester United by scout Louis Rocca on an amateur basis in September 1930.

[4] Predominantly an outside left, he also performed the role of a utility player at Old Trafford by also playing in half and full back positions.

[6] He also played as a guest player for Blackpool, Chester, Fulham, Manchester United, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur during the war.

[8][5] He remained as Griffin Park as a reserve team player for the 1951–52 season (playing one match as a goalkeeper) before retiring at age 39 in May 1952.

[5] Manley managed Cheshire County League club Northwich Victoria, with whom he began his career as a player, between March and October 1954.