Another thing, if you want engine durability, go for the A/T. But as SaberRider pointed out, if you want more control and responsiveness, go for the M/T.

Most of the ECUs actually controls the power surge of the engine to prevent damage to the automatic tranny. So no matter how hard you push the pedal, the rate of rpm increase is slightly modulated. If effect, this also prolongs the engine life.

The ECU of the M/T, on the other hand, is unregulated. Since the engine has a direct link to the engine wheels, it is the weight of the car that controls the rise in rpm. That is why if you have a powerful engine and you really push hard, you either make the tires cry or burn your clutch.