Elections to the Manchester City Council were held on Thursday, 10 May 1973. Due to the Local Government Act 1972, which replaced the city corporation with a metropolitan borough, all 99 councillors seats were up for election. In all wards, each first-placed candidate was set to serve a five-year term, expiring in 1978, second-placed candidates were set to serve a three-year term, expiring in 1976, and third-placed candidates were to serve a two-year term, expiring in 1975.
The Labour Party retained overall control of the council.
Two by-elections were held on 27 June 1974 to fill vacancies which had arisen in the city council.
Caused by the resignation of Councillor Joe Dean M.P. (Labour, Beswick, elected 12 May 1960) on 23 May 1974.
Caused by the death of Councillor Arthur Johnson (Labour, Blackley, elected 13 May 1971) on 9 May 1974, and by the resignation of Councillor Frank Hatton M.P. (Labour, Blackley, elected 13 May 1954) on 23 May 1974.
Caused by the death of Councillor Andrew Nicholson (Labour, Harpurhey, elected 7 March 1963) on 26 June 1974.