Gebrselassie's prediction the weather might, for the second successive year, prevent him posting a fast time proved correct and in the circumstances, his mark of 28 minutes 02sec was commendable.
The 36-year-old Ethiopian, always around the head of the field, finished seven seconds ahead of Ayad Lamdassem - a former Moroccan now representing Spain - who produced the best performance of his career.
They were followed home by Ukraine's eight-times European cross country champion Sergiy Lebid (28min 29sec) with Mark Warmby the first Brit, just a second ahead of triathlete Tim Don in 28min 55sec.
"The only problem out there today was again in the wind," said Gebrselassie, who was using the race to assess his form before committing himself to an autumn marathon in either Berlin, Chicago or New York.
"I though I might have gone much faster but the conditions weren't helping me. But this was an important win and I feel there is more to come in the future," added the world marathon record holder.
"Now I'll think about my next races after speaking with my manager. But to win a third title in Manchester has always been my ambition."
The wheelchair races saw David Weir and Shelly Woods score easy victories against their domestic rivals with impressive displays.
Weir won for a fourth occasion in 22min dead from Mark Telford and Brian Alldis who, in a much closer duel, crossed the line in 24min 24sec and 24min 26sec respectively.
Woods, who recorded 25min 15sec, had an even bigger winning margin from Hannah Cockroft, who clocked 32min 33sec, and Kenyan-born Anne Strike (34min 49sec).
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