The Scotland manager has batted away speculation of him becoming the next Celtic manager after he returns from the European Championship.
The 57-year-old has impressed with his work with the Scottish national team and is believed to be one of the frontrunners to become the next Celtic boss.
McManus believes Clarke is doing the right thing by playing down the Celtic rumours as he feels if Scotland qualify from the group, he could have more options in the summer.
He believes a good European Championship campaign with Scotland could mean English clubs could come calling for Clarke as well apart from the interest from Celtic.
McManus said on PLZ Soccer: “He wants to keep his options open.
“He knows if it is a good tournament, he might get back down to England if Scotland can get out of the group.
“If Scotland do well he might get a wee sniff of somewhere back down in England, so not just the Celtic job.
“It is not his problem, it’s the papers and people speculating about his job, but if you are doing well, speculation is good for players and managers.
“I am sure he is quite happy that there is speculation about big clubs.”
Celtic are still working on identifying their next manager with Eddie Howe, Jesse Marsch and Roy Keane believed to be in the running as well.
