Even 5-10 years ago I'd have strongly suggested manual. They were far more common, cheaper, one fewer system to break, and more satisfying to drive.
These days? Electric is the future, and it's coming bloody fast. There are plenty of decent affordable, reliable petrol/diesel automatics available in the short term, and in 10 years time, I think outside of the enthusiast and bangernomics markets, you won't find many people driving a manual. Electrics and hybrids are really catching on, and it's going to kill off the need for a manual license. If you don't enjoy driving manual, I don't think I'd bother.