He took part in the resistance as a member of EAM/ELAS and after refusing to sign a declaration of repentance during the Greek Civil War of 1946-49, he was exiled to Makronisos, along with such other well-known figures as Giannis Ritsos, Nikos Koundouros, Mikis Theodorakis and Thanasis Vengos.
Manos played soccer during his youth for the Athinaikos football team and others.