After a prolonged period at youth level with Everton, McManaman made the move across the North-West to develop his talents at Latics.
He has risen through the Wigan Athletic Development Squad due to his grit and determination on the pitch and his eye for goal.
The striker made his Latics debut in May 2009, coming on as a second half substitute against Portsmouth in the Barclays Premier League, making him the youngest player to feature for Latics in the Premier League. He has had a handful of other appearances for Latics in the Carling Cup, FA Cup and Premier League.
It was January 2011 that he had his most memorable Latics appearance when he started in the Third Round of the FA Cup against Hull City as he scored in the 3-2 victory and assisted a Mohamed Diame goal.
The 2011-2012 season saw McManaman rise to prominence in the Npower Championship as he was loaned out to Ian Holloway’s Blackpool.
He played 14 times whilst at Bloomfield Road, scoring crucial goals for the Seasiders, against eventual league champions Reading in a 1-0 victory and eventual runners-up Southampton, the second goal in a 2-2 draw.
Upon his return to Latics, the Knowsley-born forward featured twice as a late substitute in games against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion.
McManaman’s development at Latics was impressive enough to earn him a call up for the England Under 20 squad in the 2011 U20 World Cup.
Alongside Latics team mate Lee Nicholls, he became the first player from the club to represent England in the tournament.
It was a successful tournament for McManaman who featured in all four of the sides games.