Sinclairs is by far the best pub in the area. However you cannot move in the place on any given Saturday (Moz aside), so it could be a problem. It's on my route into town anyway so I'll give it a quick glance. The nearest pub is WAxy O'Connors at the Printworks, a plastic Irish pub that will be full to the rafters with Reds watching the cup final (my Dad probably included!).
Corbieres might be interesting (Half Moon St, off Cross Street) a hard to find (look for Royal Exchange, Cross St, its tucked away next door) cellar bar, that has an interesting past.
Deansgate is a very poor choice for weekend drinking. Go and have a look! You'll see.
I'm still pondering