I like manual transmissions; I think they're more fun to drive than automatics. I don't currently own one but I hope to own one again some day. I've driven several cars and trucks with manual, but only ever owned one: 2004 Honda CR-V. I actually bought it specifically BECAUSE it was manual, even though it was in bad shape and I really shouldn't have bought it. I thought I'd never find another one in manual, so I should jump on that one. Turns out they're more common than I thought and I could've (and should've) held out for one in better shape. I liked the car, and I feel that that's mostly because it was manual. I think it would've been terribly boring to drive if it was automatic. If I was in the market for a car, and there was a model that would fit my needs and was available in manual, I would definitely buy it in manual.
When it comes to performance/"fun to drive" cars, a lot of people try to make the argument: "Manuals are more fun...but the automatic is faster!" Which is an invalid argument, IMO. If you prefer an automatic, and think an automatic if more fun to drive, then by all means get the automatic. But if you think manual is more fun to drive, get the manual! It doesn't matter if the automatic is faster. Because what's the whole PURPOSE of going fast?.....because it's FUN! The whole purpose of those cars is to be fun to drive, so if you're buying one, your #1 priority should be the "fun to drive" factor, not the fastest acceleration.