Would be good if it happens but over the 30 or so years I've flown TATL from MAN there have been so many rumours about direct services that simply haven't materialised. In fact the real story has been of failed and withdrawn Oneworld options which have gradually decreased to a single AA flight a day to PHL. As a result, I'm not crossing my fingers nor holding my breath on the basis of a casual comment from a random Flight Attendant.