Things that are overpowered in Football Manager

When you’ve logged enough hours in Football Manager, you start noticing the in-game elements that just seem to work a bit too well. Those player roles that always deliver, the tactics that seem unbeatable, and the small tips that make the game much easier. So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of the most overpowered parts of Football Manager:

The 4-2-3-1 formation

Let’s start with an old favorite. Any long-time Football Manager player knows that 4-2-3-1 is a lifesaver. Stuck in a rut? Lost five games in a row? Just switch to 4-2-3-1, and suddenly, your team is back to its best. There’s a reason the Football Manager world champion used this setup—it brings balance across the field like no other.

But if 4-2-3-1 feels a bit played out, 2024 has brought us a new contender for the “most overpowered” title: 4-4-2. This classic has staged a powerful comeback, proving itself more effective than ever. In fact, I used 4-4-2 in my own Pentagon Challenge series, and it carried me to a record-breaking season. If it worked for me, it could work for anyone.

Advanced forwards: The Ultimate Striker Role

Whenever I experiment with other striker roles, I inevitably return to the advanced forward. False nine? Usually a disappointing 6.3 rating. Deep-lying forward? Invisible unless they’re a Harry Kane type. Pressing forward comes close, but advanced forward is just that bit better. I’d try complete forward more often, but, honestly, not all my players “have the facilities” for that.

If that feels a bit standard, there’s a new hot pick for FM24: the no-nonsense center back on cover duty. Odd as it may seem for a game where playing out from the back is the standard, this role has unexpectedly shone in the latest version. While I don’t quite understand the “why” yet, I’m inclined to trust the online FM community on this one.

Low crosses and “Get Stuck In”

When it comes to crossing, low crosses outperform other types—and there’s no clear explanation why. If you’re not running a Mitrović-type target man, go with low crosses. AI defenders struggle against ground-level deliveries, so exploit that.

And speaking of defenders, whether or not you’ve selected “Get Stuck In,” your defenders will inevitably make risky challenges and, on occasion, get themselves sent off. Defenders in Football Manager are simply prone to rash decision-making. So, why not turn it on? Oddly, it seems to make your team play better—whether it’s because they’re more committed or because they’re now “willing to die for the shirt.” Who knows? Who cares?

That one 2.5 star player with 15 determination and 15 work rate

We all know the type: that player with an average rating who was practically out the door until an injury forced you to give him a start. Then, game after game, he delivers a rating of 8.5, outperforming the five-star Argentinian playmaker you bought for £90 million. In real life, players like Stuart Dallas, James Milner, or Park Ji-Sung capture this gritty essence—proof that determination can sometimes outperform raw skill.

Acceleration

Acceleration is FM’s worst-kept secret. Last year, an experiment showed that a team with Championship-level players but elite pace could finish mid-table in the Premier League. If you’re in League Two, loaning a player with 16 acceleration could be the key to promotion. Ideally, future updates will balance this, so Football Manager doesn’t veer into FIFA territory, where speed alone reigns supreme.

And there you have it—these are the most overpowered elements in Football Manager. What do you think? Are there any overpowered aspects I missed? Here’s hoping some of these make an appearance in Football Manager 25.

About the Author

William Reid

William is the admin of Out of Context Football Manager, an X account that focuses on FM news. He's worked for LADbible Group and is VG's resident FM expert.