FM24 Best Formations – Top setups in Football Manager 2024 ranked

Looking for the FM24 best formations? Football Manager 2024 has finally arrived and there is no better time for you to dig out your best suit and get started in your brand new managerial career. 

FM24 early access for PC players is already underway. This has allowed players to start searching for the FM24 wonderkids that will dominate this year’s game.

We all know that football management is a results business and bagging three points is the optimum goal for you throughout your career. 

Sometimes, this can be easier said than done. In this article, we want to showcase the best formations that will help you progress your team forward with the right setup. 

Check below to discover the most effective FM24 formations that you can use in Football Manager this season.

4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1 formation is the simple choice, and arguably the best Football Manager system out there. This popular formation proves to be the favored approach for many top-level managers. 

In Football Manager 2024, much like in previous FM games, this formation remains king and is our go-to choice at the start of any save. 

The balance across the board is perfect for attack-minded managers. The defence also gets plenty of extra protection from the two midfield anchors. 

Whether you like to play a possession based game, or look to utilise wing play, you can play to your strengths in this system.

There are many different variations available for the 4-2-3-1 formation. It truly is the most versatile and arguably most effective formation, making it among the FM24 best formations available.

4-3-3

Heavy metal football is a phrase that was coined to describe Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, with the reds showcasing their unique gegenpress style in a 4-3-3 set up. 

The 4-3-3 is perfect for managers looking to score a shed load of goals. The 3 attack-minded players will prove dangerous for any defensive line. 

The challenge with this formation is finding the right balance. You don’t want all of your midfielders to push too far forward and leave the defence exposed. 

One thing’s for sure, when you get it right, this formation can once again be devastatingly effective in FM24. A positive mentality is key to success here.

3-4-1-2

The 3-4-1-2 is a bit of differential choice. It offers a great balance to those managers who prefer to play with 3 centre backs. 

Utilising a packed midfield, the 3-4-1-2 allows you to have a strong strike partnership, with a floating attacking midfielder sat in behind and pulling the strings. 

A key component to remember when using this formation is to deploy wingers that will work back, as well as attack. 

Striking the perfect balance could see you boast one of the most effective set ups we’ve used in Football Manager 2024.

5-3-2

Similar to the 3-4-1-2 in many ways, the 5-3-2 is a great choice for those managers looking to adopt a counter-attacking approach. 

This formation will also allow you to utilise the new inverted full-back player position in Football Manager 2024. This permits your wing-backs to tuck inside, supporting your midfielders and central defenders. 

The full-backs in any 5 or 3 back formations are key anyway. They are the only players providing any width, meaning they will need to be full of energy to consistently run up and down the flanks. 

The 5-3-2 is a popular choice for many and it’s not hard to see why. This formation allows you to soak up pressure before launching a devastating counter-attack.

4-1-4-1

Our differential pick is the 4-1-4-1, with this formation proving effective for us during our time with Football Manager 2024 early access. 

This formation permits the dominance of your midfield, with the single defensive midfielder anchor stringing every pattern of play together. 

One key element to consider when choosing this formation is the power and utility of your striker, as you will need them to be a physical presence in order to deal with the isolation of playing up front on their own. 

For a variation, you could always push one of your wingers higher up as well, seamlessly connecting each area of the pitch with a creative spark. 

Whatever formation you decide to adopt in Football Manager 2024, balance is the key to finding a successful formula.

It is also crucial to get the FM24 best tactics nailed down too. Boasting a strong squad is one thing, but getting them playing together as a team is another.