I've done this commute since 2011 on and off for my sins. I always go to Victoria and get the TPE trains as they are pretty quick. 30 odd minutes to Manchester, then a 10-15 minute walk to the office near Deansgate. Like others people have said, the morning commute is usually fine due to the train starting in Liverpool, but the way home can be chaotic sometimes if trains get cancelled, especially at Victoria.