Help with Man Utd tactic in FM16

Hi guys

As I always do Im gonna start with a Man Utd save when FM16 is fully released, and Im using the Beta to test and flesh out a tactical base.

In FM15 I used a 4-3-1-2 with great success, quite narrow but with 2 of the CMs running wide supporting the wing backs and creating widt. In FM16 it seems this is no longer possible. So this year and Im wanna try a more standard formation with wide players / wingers and Ive settled on a 4-2-3-1 which seems to suits United quite well, with a 4-3-3 as a backup.

I want to be somewhat possession based, however contrary to real life, I want that possession to actually turn into real chances and be a real threat, with the forward players creating enough movement to open up opportunities.

My main setup is a detailed below:

So a 4-2-3-1 as we all know it with no special roles as I see it. Team instructions as below:

I try to change my width and build up focus based on my oppornents. If they have a compact shape I try and play wide and attack via the wings etc.

Not many personal instructions besides telling the CM(d) and the CBs to close down less. Does this go against the overall tone of the tactic?

In the few pre season matches Ive played so far Ive not played very well, attack has not been flowing great, and I seem very weak in defence. The opporsition seems to have alot of space around midfield and in front my defence, and I often get hit with passes behind my defenders to attackers who run in behind.

Are there any glaring issues with my setup, anf should I maybe try the "Retain Possession" option? I havent used it because I dont want to just pass around with no threat and no penetration, but maybe it wont hinder that and will just me more control of the match?

Well, if you want possession, you're going to need to do a few things.

1) Retain possession (enable the instruction)

2) Lower tempo (higher tempo leads to hasty passes and turnovers)

3) Instruct the GK to roll it out/pass it short (otherwise, he'll mostly kick into midfield)

4) Dial back to Control, instead of Attacking (continuous attacking will cost you, especially with a high tempo)

Additionally, I'd go FB-Auto. WBs will leave you pretty light in defense.

I'm in the exact same situation. Finished 3rd in the PL and had a horror start in the CL (ending up in the EL, and losing to Ajax in the final). I went for a Deep Lying Forward (Su), instead, and an Advanced Playmaker (Att)/Ball Winning Midfielder (Def) combo in CM.

A lots changed for FM16 and well I would advise being conservative for a start and finding a nice balance between attack and defense. FM has historically shown a bias towards control to attacking systems. So making a well thought out system will stand you in good stead.

I would avoid the retain shouts or any possession orientated shouts at this moment, and as far as betas go, try them out

I would avoid the retain shouts or any possession orientated shouts at this moment

Generally speaking? Any specific reason?

Well, if you want possession, you're going to need to do a few things.

1) Retain possession (enable the instruction)

2) Lower tempo (higher tempo leads to hasty passes and turnovers)

3) Instruct the GK to roll it out/pass it short (otherwise, he'll mostly kick into midfield)

4) Dial back to Control, instead of Attacking (continuous attacking will cost you, especially with a high tempo)

Additionally, I'd go FB-Auto. WBs will leave you pretty light in defense.

I'm in the exact same situation. Finished 3rd in the PL and had a horror start in the CL (ending up in the EL, and losing to Ajax in the final). I went for a Deep Lying Forward (Su), instead, and an Advanced Playmaker (Att)/Ball Winning Midfielder (Def) combo in CM.

Cheers for this, I will take this into account!

@rashidi1 Im also interested why you would avoid possession based shouts?