He has served as the 12th director of athletics at his alma mater, the University of Michigan, since January 2016.

He was recruited and enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he played defensive tackle for the Wolverines from 1986 to 1989, for coach Bo Schembechler, before suffering a career-ending neck injury.

[6] Manuel developed his management skills as assistant athletic director and then associate AD at the University of Michigan.

[8] Manuel was responsible for the hiring of Turner Gill as the head coach of Buffalo's football team.

Under Gill the team achieved its first winning season and first invitation to a postseason bowl game since the program joined NCAA Division I athletics in 1999.