The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word FEND
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
E
N
D
More clues leading to the result FEND
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Try to manage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case try to manage = fend.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FEND mean?
FEND noun- Self-support; taking care of one's own well-being.
- To take care of oneself; to take responsibility for one's own well-being.
- (except as "fend for oneself") To defend, to take care of (typically construed with for); to block or push away (typically construed with off).
- An enemy; fiend; the Devil.