The Secrets to Quickly Build an UNSTOPPABLE Attack in Football Manager 2024

Scoring goals in Football Manager should be easy, right? Just pick the best striker you can afford, go all-out attack, and watch the goals flow. It’s not always that simple. The match engine has a way of humbling even the best managers. Your team dominates possession but fails to break down a stubborn low block. Your striker, fresh off a 30-goal season, suddenly forgets how to finish. And when you finally break through, the opposition equalises with their only shot of the match.

If you want to score goals consistently and create an attack that strikes fear into every opponent, you need more than just great players—you need the right tactical setup. Let’s break down how to turn your team into an offensive juggernaut.

What specifically works for Football Manager 2024?

I’m going to start with the nuggets of tactical knowledge I’ve learnt from playing so much Football Manager this year. These are things that just seem to work in this match engine this year.

• Use 4-2-4- this formation is absolutely broken in this game. The AI can’t handle this many attackers – I wrote more about this here.
• Play down the wings with overlap on and work the ball into the box. The match engine loves verticality this year.
• High-press – gegenpress or vertical tiki-taka – obviously

Tactical Foundations of a Great Attack

A free-scoring attack isn’t just about cramming as many attackers onto the pitch as possible. It’s about creating chances efficiently and ensuring your team functions as a unit. The right system can make even an average striker look elite.

Best Attacking Formations

The best goal-scoring formations share a few common traits: width, movement, and multiple goal threats. Here are the best formations for an unstoppable attack:

• 4-2-4 – The META attacking formation in Football Manager. If you love chaos and don’t care about defending, this is for you.
• 4-2-3-1 – The most balanced attacking setup, with a playmaker, inside forwards, and an advanced striker.
• 4-3-3 (DM Wide) – Overloads the wings and provides midfield dominance.
• 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow Diamond – Great for overloading central areas.

Tactical Tips for a High-Scoring Team

a) Chance Creation is Everything

Possession means nothing if you aren’t creating high-quality chances. To maximize your attacking potential:

• Set ‘Work Ball Into Box’ – Reduces speculative long shots and increases clear-cut chances.
• Use overlaps and underlaps – If your full-backs are good at crossing, overlapping can be deadly. If your inside forwards are playmakers, underlapping runs create space.
• Play through the best creator – Set your best playmaker to ‘Take More Risks’ and make him the focal point.

b) Tempo & Passing – The Key to Breaking Defences

• Against weaker teams that sit deep, higher tempo & shorter passing keeps the ball moving quickly to create gaps.
• Against stronger teams, mixed passing & standard tempo helps control the game and pick the right moments to attack.

c) Exploit Weaknesses

• Low defensive lines? Use quick strikers and play through balls.
• Slow full-backs? Attack the flanks with pacy wingers.
• Compact defenses? Stretch them wide with wing backs.

Role Selection – Who Does What?

Choosing the right roles is crucial. A poorly constructed attack can lead to players stepping on each other’s toes rather than complementing each other.

Strikers

• Advanced Forward (AF) – The best for running in behind.
• Complete Forward (CF) – Versatile, links play and scores.
• Poacher (P) – Perfect if you just want him finishing chances.
• Deep-Lying Forward (DLF) – Great for dropping deep and linking play.

Attacking Midfielders & Wingers

• Inside Forward (IF) – Cuts inside to shoot or create.
• Winger (W) – Hugs the touchline and delivers crosses.
• Inverted Winger (IW) – A mix of both.
• Attacking Midfielder (AM) – The main creative hub.
• Shadow Striker (SS) – Plays like a second striker, deadly in a high-pressing system.

Midfielders

• Advanced Playmaker (AP) – The heartbeat of your attack.
• Mezzala (M) – A roaming midfielder who attacks wide spaces.
• Box-to-Box Midfielder (BBM) – Contributes at both ends.
• Deep-Lying Playmaker (DLP) – Sits deep and dictates play.

Exploiting Set-Pieces for Extra Goals

Set-pieces are an overlooked way to squeeze out extra goals. Here’s how to make them work for you:

• Near-post corners – Use a tall player with good heading and “Attack Near Post.

Adapting Your Attack Based on the Opposition

Great attacks aren’t one-dimensional. You need to adjust based on who you’re facing.

• Against weaker teams – Control possession, press high, and use a high defensive line.
• Against stronger teams – Play on the counter, use quick transitions, and exploit spaces behind.
• Against parked buses – Use width, quick passing, and runners from deep.

Player Attributes – The Must-Haves for Attackers

You can have the best tactics in the world, but if your players lack the right attributes, your attack will struggle. Look for these key stats:

Strikers

• Finishing – Self-explanatory.
• Composure – Keeps cool under pressure.
• Off the Ball – Movement is everything.
• Acceleration & Pace – Crucial for running in behind.
• Anticipation – Gets to rebounds and loose balls first.

Wingers & Attacking Midfielders

• Dribbling – Beats defenders.
• Passing – Unlocks defenses.
• Vision – Essential for playmakers.
• Flair – Helps beat opponents unpredictably.
• Decisions – Separates good players from great ones.

Final Thoughts

Building an unstoppable attack in Football Manager 2024 isn’t just about buying the best strikers—it’s about creating a system that generates high-quality chances. Use the right tactics, set up your team to exploit weaknesses, and make small tweaks to maximize efficiency. Do that, and you’ll be racking up goals like peak Pep’s Man City.

Got any attacking secrets that have worked wonders for you? Let me know—I promise not to steal them… unless they’re really good.