Police said the 23-year-old remains in custody for questioning.
Officers believe the child was abducted in Warne Avenue in Droylsden, before being taken to a wooded area, then to a van.
She was reunited with her family after finding her way back to a nearby park, but parents in the area were warned to be “extra vigilant”.
The arrest comes after police released a number of CCTV images of a man they wanted to track down, saying he had been “hanging around” prior to the incident.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday but released without further action.
Locals have been urged to check CCTV, dashcam video and doorbell footage for any clips that might assist the investigation.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9262.
Source: Skynews