Take the CFA campus and stadium tour prior to the match, it is genuinely good.
Book accommodations well away from the stadium and explore the City without a structured plan at least one day you are there. This applies to nearly every city, but the best experiences on your travels are usually accidental discoveries.
But stay away from Chinatown at night and Piccadilly Gardens basically any time.
As much as we complain about the trams, make use of them whilst you are visiting. They are still much better than most public transport in the US (I’ve sampled transport in NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago, Charlotte, Seattle, and LA, so I can say that with confidence).
Go to Mary D’s for exactly one pint. Once you’ve finished it, leave and never go back.
Pick up your City gear in the Arndale not the club shop by the stadium, as the latter is jammed on match days.
Check out Evelyn’s for none football-related eating, especially if anyone in your group has dietary restrictions. My missus has many restrictions and it remains one of the best (few) places I could take her for a meal. Great stage and the owners are sound, as well.
City Arms is a decent place for a pint, as is The Millstone.
There are some interesting things to see and shopping in NQ, but I would suggest only walking round there during the day.
Not sure how long you are there, and your other interests, but we have some interesting architecture these days if you are in to archphotoging, and I personally think the National Football Museum, People’s History Museum, and Science & Industry Museum are all great visits.