FM24 Best Tactics – Top Football Manager 2024 tactics ranked

FM24 Best Tactics – Top Football Manager 2024 tactics ranked
Matt Francis Updated on by

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Are you searching for the FM24 best tactics? The release of Football Manager 2024 is finally upon us, which means it’s time to put on your tactical hat and get started in a brand new save. 

Whether you have got started via FM24 early access on your PC, or are preparing your shortlist of FM24 wonderkids, you need to know the top tactics for this season.

Football Manager gets harder and more complex every year. As always, your choice of tactic certainly is key to any potential success you may enjoy. 

With that in mind, we want to run you through some of the best tactics you can adopt in this year’s game. These different combinations are certain to help you take your team forward. 

One size doesn’t fit all, however, meaning you will need to tinker depending on your squad. All that being said, here are our picks for the FM24 best tactics you can use in Football Manager 2024

Counter Attack 5-2-1-2

We know that not every game of Football Manager 2024 is going to be a walk in the park. In fact, there will be many occasions in which your team is required to change tact and adapt to a stronger opposition. 

In order to do this effectively, we’d recommend using a counter-attacking 5-2-1-2, with a cautious approach being your best bet. 

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Whilst this formation may not guarantee goals, it can be devastating following the turnover of the ball, with your wing-backs pushing high and supporting the attacking midfielder. 

Another benefit of this formation is the strike partnership that you can create. Pacey forwards are your best bet when looking to exploit teams on the break.

Check out the best strikers to sign in FM24 and make the most of this setup.

Vertical Tiki-Taka 4-2-3-1

On the flip side of that, there is a formation that will continually prove to be a dominant choice and that is, once again, the 4-2-3-1.

Pairing this formation with the vertical tiki-taka style is truly devastating. All of your forward players are certain to bag a shed load of goals throughout the season. 

This style is best-suited to those managers who boast a rich vein of world-class talent. It can also be equally effective when facing sides lower down the leagues. 

This system will help you retain possession of the ball. A truly devastating choice for your opposition, the 4-2-3-1 remains one of the FM24 best tactics.

To help you play the possession game, check out the best CM to sign in FM24.

Gegenpress 4-3-3

If you want to emulate the style and success of Jurgen Klopp then a gegenpressing 4-3-3 is the best option for you. 

Your three forward players need instructions to apply pressure from the front, allowing your midfielders to stay and anticipate any loose passes. 

This kind of style may have been countered in recent years but it can still prove devastatingly effective in Football Manager 2024. 

Just remember to deploy quick and clinical wingers who can take advantage of any and all weaknesses in the opposition back line. 

You will likely play a higher defensive line in this system too. Your central defenders will need to be fairly mobile, and you will need a top defensive midfielder to help mop things up.

To stay defensively solid, see the best CB to sign in FM24.

Positive 4-2-2-2

The 4-2-2-2 is an often overlooked formation that has quietly been a meta choice for some time in the Football Manager series. 

It may not look like anything special, but finding the right combinations can see this formation become one of the most effective choices available in FM24. 

Naturally, this formation is incredibly narrow but that can play into your hands. Some teams are simply unable to track runners and bring enough bodies inside to cover the defence.

You can also use your full backs to provide width. With advanced playmaker midfielders in more central roles, your full backs will offer the wing play avenue of attack that may otherwise be missing.

Pairing this with skilful players and a positive mentality, you can cause some serious damage in FM. Deploying an exciting mix of attacking talent that are certain to score goals for your side.

To make the most of this attacking setup, see the best wingers to sign in FM24.

Balanced 5-2-3

A 5-2-3 has been a great choice for many years and that remains the same in Football Manager 2024. Five at the back offers stability while defending, and three up top provides options in attack.

Veering neither on the side of defensive or offensive. This formation should be the go-to choice for any manager looking to steady the ship in this year’s game. 

Whilst balanced may seem boring, you can always shift mentality throughout the game, springing constant surprises onto your opposition. 

Either way, this formation provides superb defensive cover, whilst also permitting you to spring forward and launch dangerous counter-attacks. 

Your wing-backs are key here. Make sure you know who the best RB to sign in FM24 is to make the most of the space out wide.

What was the best tactic in FM23?

The 4-2-3-1 formation with a counter tactic is widely regarded as the best tactic in FM23.

What is the 3-4-3 strategy?

The 3-4-3 provides balance for your team. It offers a set five attacking players in offense, while also providing a five man cover defensively.