Being a Brummie I would have to take issue with the claim that MAN serves the second city region, but that's for another forum!
The real surprise for me in all of this is that in recent years and months the local economy of Manchester and Salford has grown beyond recognition and grown with quality jobs not just standard call centres or retail led employment. Alongside this economic leap, which to be fair has seen Manchester gain a credible argument to make a claim for being the UKs second city it's airport has seen business related routes thin out.
All that said MAN still has excellent connections around the world, most UK airports would kill for its route network!