Converting an automatic Transmission to a manual one

Per some ideas that I received from some of you, I am now at the point
where I am going to convert my 1988 Golf automatic transmission to a
5-speed manual transmission. I called a salvage yard to find a manual
tranny, but was posed with the question.....which type to buy? The
salvage yard said there are eight different types that could go in.
Does anyone have any ideas as to which type to purchase? To me, it
would seem that since I am replacing the entire transaxle, that it
wouldn't matter which transmission....but, then again, what do I know.

Thanks to all for taking time to ponder this.

Dave