McManus played a total of five years for Detroit, playing at every infield position. In his first year with the Tigers, he appeared in 108 games, 39 at shortstop, 35 at second base, 21 at third base, and six at first base, and compiled a .268 batting average. In 1928, he appeared in 139 games, 92 at third base and 45 at first base, and batted .288. In 1929, he became the Tigers' starting third baseman, started all 154 games for the club, and posted a .280 batting average. In July 1929, he hit two grand slams in three days for the Tigers.