Exi

You are kind of playing hoof ball but with only a single player to receive the ball. He also has to wait and hold on to the ball for quite some time for the players on support to finally show up. You either need more attacking roles (and add an extra striker) to play in this way or lower the tempo and work the ball up the pitch by short passes so your support players can come up with the ball and be dangerous. Your tactic is kind of in between and is not ideal. I think it's a good basic rule to have 3 players on defend and 3 players on attack and go from there.

Like Maddux said above. You are using almost every fall back / dig in TI possible. Low block and drop off will just allow the opponent to do whatever they want on your half and your players are just watching and being fancy obstacles and you are inviting your opponent to attack you and take shots, crosses, whatever. This play style does not really work in FM (and irl). You need to apply at least some pressure to your opponent and change your TIs to be a little more aggressive.

Are you sure you didn't change anything? Are the team dynamics still ok? Perhaps the opponent have figured you out and know how to beat your tactics. You are also demanding quite a lot from your players at that level (pressing, countering, marking, run at defence). They could be tired. Try to get rid of some of those and rest your players more. I see you didn't concede that many goals over the season. Maybe you can try to put the CM on attack and see if you score more that way.

After 5 games you are able to analyse the player's stats. But it depends on different situations. Having a good replacement, expected playing time, age, etc. Loans is usually for 18 year olds that don't have a chance of first team football or to save on wages.

I believe you have a chance to increase a player's determination by fining him for poor performances. Sometimes you get that option when a player has a match rating of 6.4 or lower. But it can also backfire

Because the player tends to get way stronger than the AI because of poor AI descisions, I think you could look at leagues that have rules that limit you somewhat so you have a bit more competition for a longer time. Not sure what league to choose. I only know that Sweden limits you somewhat by requiring you to play more Swedish players. But there should be even harder leagues, if that's your thing. Or Impose rules of your own.