FM22 Tactics Guide for Beginners: 5 Simple Formations

Football Manager 22 (FM22) can be difficult for beginners at first. Here are easy and effective tactics for new players.

Football Manager 22: 5 Simple but Effective Tactics for New Players

The newest game in the series, Football Manager 22, launches on day one on Microsoft's Game Pass service for both PC and Xbox, so the Football Manager series is preparing to welcome a batch of new players. It will be interesting to see how many stick with the game after trying it. Although the Football Manager series is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed management series of all time, the game can be challenging and, as a result, boring for newcomers and make them give up.

One of the hardest things for new managers is getting into a winning habit and settling into a routine. Of course, tactic choice depends largely on the players a team has, but to help those new to Football Manager, we have listed a few simple but effective tactics. It is worth noting that in the images below the mentality is set to balanced by default, but during a match it needs to be changed often (to attacking or defensive) depending on the opponent's strength and the current score.

FM22 Counter-Attacking 4-4-2

Although many now see the 4-4-2 formation as outdated, it was a superb formation for many years, especially in the Premier League. The formation fell out of favor mainly because of how important winning the central midfield battle has become in the modern game, where the 4-4-2 shape is not ideal.

Even though the days of the 4-4-2 inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United and their flying wingers are long gone, the 4-4-2 can still be very effective today, and we can say so comfortably by looking at Atletico Madrid and their manager Diego Simeone, who have never broken their run of success over the years.

The modern 4-4-2 should be set up to drop deep when defending, stay compact and narrow, and stop opponents from entering the penalty area or restrict their movement there. When the ball is won back, you should switch quickly to a counter-attack with your attacking players to find a goal immediately. As shown in the image above (with attacking duties selected for the left-back and the winger), the aim is usually to identify your team's most effective attacking side and attack from there. That is why the roles on the left wing are more attack-based, while the striker on the left drops deep to support attacking and passing play.

FM22 Gegenpress 4-3-3

From the oldest-school entry on this list to the most modern, gegenpressing is quickly becoming one of the most common playing styles for any team that wants to succeed.

The gegenpress style is built around extremely high-intensity pressing, aimed at pinning the opponent in their own penalty area as quickly as possible. This makes it hard for them to attack and forces them to lose the ball at their feet. As a result, the system should only be used by teams with players who can keep up that tempo for 90 minutes; otherwise, the team can run into big problems once it gets tired!

The image above is based on Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool. The team draws its creativity mainly from attacking wingers and a striker who plays as a false nine, using the two winger-forwards as inside forwards so that goals flow through them. (Like Mane and Salah in real life)

FM22 Possession 4-3-3

This 4-3-3 has significant differences from the one listed before, but it is quite similar defensively. To keep possession in this attacking approach and use it effectively, it should be played as a formation with plenty of pressing, playing high up the pitch to increase possession, with the opponent's defense pinned back from the front.

The image above belongs to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who won the league with 100 points. The team had two wingers and a striker, plus two advanced playmakers with builder attributes playing high up the pitch to form a front five with the three. In this setup, we remember a compact, entirely system-based formation in which the defensive midfielder slots in between the centre-backs and the two full-backs support the midfield.

Unsurprisingly, this tactic requires a group of players who are collectively excellent on the ball, because one weak link can make the whole tactic collapse. On top of that, the chance that your team's passing errors in attack turn into goals at your own end is quite high.

FM22 Wing Play 3-4-3

The 3-4-3 (5-2-3) is slowly but surely gaining popularity in leagues around the world. Besides increasing the team's defensive solidity inside the penalty area, the formation modernizes the classic winger role that seemed to be finished. This is thanks to wing-backs who are essentially tasked with being both winger and full-back, which is possible because of modern players' incredible fitness.

It is worth noting that Football Manager 22 adds a new wide centre-back role, giving teams that play with a back three more options. The role is great for some wing-play teams, because the centre-backs will essentially play as full-backs on the ball and let their team attack down the flanks in wide areas.

FM22 Balanced 4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1 is ideal for teams that need some stability and balance. Of course, the formation can be modified heavily to suit a wide range of tactics and playing styles. But the team pictured above offers a safe, balanced option, set up to prevent counter-attacks and build a solid defensive block, while still having plenty of options going forward.

The four players at the front provide much of the creative and attacking output, and the full-backs can also provide attacking support, depending on the match, if it is wanted. Teams that use a balanced 4-2-3-1 are often criticized for not moving forward and not having a clear playing style, but the solidity it offers can be invaluable and makes it a great option for new players in Football Manager 22.

When Is FM22 Coming Out?

As of November 1, 2021, the Football Manager 22 beta is out for PC. The full game will be released on November 9 on PC, Xbox and Mobile. Work on the Nintendo Switch version is ongoing.