The Manchester Evening News lite is an excellent free newspapers, with enough news to keep you up-to-date with national current affairs, lots of interesting sections about International news, some serious, some more light-hearted. It also has an impressive sports section. The gigs and night out section if very useful and split into genre. The paper also has plenty of local news so you can keep abreast of any local news and events. I usually get the paper on the way to or from Manchester Victoria and it sees me through what would otherwise be, some very boring travel.
Although this newspaper is the "lite" version it has more articles worth reading than the likes of the sun, mirror and daily mail. Highly recommended.