Police say a 'large volume of people' were present as a teenager was stabbed multiple times in Chorlton.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which is thought to have taken place at a wake for a car crash victim on Wednesday evening.
The 16-year-old was taken to hospital from the scene, in a car park behind Co-op on Barlow Moor Road, where he remains in a stable, but serious condition.
No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing.
Pictures from the scene showed around 100 youths congregating on the corner of Barlow Moor Road and Hardy Lane before the attack took place at about 7pm.
A number of witnesses said it appeared a wake was being held for a teenager killed in a car crash.
Greater Manchester Police have not yet confirmed the reason for the gathering or revealed any more details about the fatal crash.
Det Insp John Robb, of GMP's City of Manchester district said: "This is a serious incident, which has left a young person with significant injuries in hospital in a serious condition.
"We are working hard to piece together the circumstances which led to the boy being stabbed, and there were a large volume of people in the area when this incident took place.
"I am appealing to anyone with information, and any recordings around the time and location - whether this is dash cam, mobile footage or any other format, it could prove pivotal to our investigation and identify those responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6063 quoting 2358 of 08/04/2021 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
