Automatic or manual transmission

[bentjazz]

Hi everyone,
I just bought a 2010 Yaris, and decided to go with the automatic transmission, but now think I might regret that decision. The salesperson said fuel efficiency between the manual and automatic was nill, and for that reason, I opted not to go with the manual. But I keep reading that the manual offers better real world fuel efficiency.
The only reason I've driven manuals in the past was because of their better gas mileage, but the salesperson said that trend was a thing of the past and he recommended the automatic.
This is my first post on the forum, and am curious what Yaris drivers have learned about this topic while driving their Yaris. Do manuals offer better gas mileage?
Any tips on how I can maximize my fuel economy?
Thank you.