Ask...nothing ventured, nothing gained. And...if I were that young lady that was told the manager didn't like her, I would apply just for the sake of applying. There's no telling...that person may have a great chance of getting the position. I don't put stock in other people's opinions when it comes to applying for jobs. I would want to hear it directly for the person who is doing the hiring and not some go between.
Ask!
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
