 McManus was then offered a chance to take up playing again with Dumbarton, and agreed to sign for the 2010–11 season.McManus joined third division leaders Arbroath on a one–month emergency loan on 18 February 2011, but then retired from playing at the end of the season.After an unsuccessful start to the 2016–17 season, St Mirren boss Alex Rae and his assistant David Farrell were both sacked by the club, with Head of Youth Development, McManus, being appointed interim manager.