New driver automatic or manual honest advice please

I am going to be starting lessons soon. I'm unsure if I should go for a manual or automatic. To be honest I'm swaying more towards the automatic,I've read really good reviews and also believe it's a lot quicker to pass therefore being more cost effective. Please can I have all your opinions .it's me going to be using it 95% of the time, I asked my other half (he drives a big Mercedes van for a living) amd he just said they are rubbish. On what basis i say? I like gears says he! He's now said it's up to me but u don't want to make a huge mistake.
Thanks all