Elections to Manchester City Council were held on Thursday, 8 May 1986. One third of the council was up for election, with each successful candidate to serve a four-year term of office, expiring in 1990. The Labour Party retained overall control of the Council.
The Independent candidates for the Benchill and Woodhouse Park wards, A. Bradshaw and D. Wraxall respectively, were backed by the SDP/Liberal Alliance.