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How to play as Manchester United in FIFA 19
The tips and tactics you need to guide Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side to the title in FIFA 19.
Manchester United fans have been enjoying their football again since the arrival of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær back in December 2018. In no time at all, the Red Devils have climbed the Premier League table and progressed to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Of course, Solskjær has some incredibly talented players at his disposal. The likes of Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial are lethal in attack, while stars such as Paul Pogba and David de Gea add to United's chances of gaining silverware in the 2018-19 season.
It remains to be seen whether Man Utd can clinch any trophies this year, but in FIFA 19’s Career Mode, you can win them all. We’ve highlighted the best formations, lineups and tactics that you can use to guide Solskjær’s stars to glory.
What formation should you play?
The 4-3-3 False 9 formation accommodates Lukaku well in FIFA 19
© EA Sports
4-3-3 False 9
Man Utd adopt a 4-3-3 Holding formation by default in FIFA 19. While any variation of the 4-3-3 is suitable, our preference is the False 9. This formation allows Lukaku to be utilised as a target man, spearheading the play as both wingers burst forward. Be sure to train the Belgian’s passing attributes as a priority to maximise this tactic’s effectiveness.
4-1-2-1-2 Narrow
This formation makes use of United’s key players to good effect. Nemanja Matić, for example, slots in perfectly at CDM, while Paul Pogba can cause havoc in an attacking midfield role. Any of Lukaku, Rashford and Martial can be employed in the two striker slots for maximum impact, while most of United's natural wingers also work effectively in central areas.
3-4-1-2
Man Utd’s plethora of skilled centre-backs suit the 3-4-1-2 formation well. Lindelöf, Bailly, Smalling, Jones and Rojo are all worth considering for these roles, and even left-back Luke Shaw can be effective here. Again, this formation incorporates two strikers and a CAM (perfect for Pogba, Mata or Lingard), but this time utilises the Red Devils’ strength in wide areas, too.
Who’s in the team?
Be sure to make the most of Paul Pogba’s talent in midfield
© EA Sports
Defence
The best GK at your disposal is Spaniard David de Gea, who is also the top-rated goalkeeper in the Premier League. Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are both effective at right-back (although Valencia is pacier), while Luke Shaw dominates the left-back role. Additionally, young Diogo Dalot boasts superb potential at RB in Career Mode. In the centre-back position, Lindelöf and Bailly are your top picks, but the overpowered Smalling and efficient Jones are worthy backups.
Midfield
Paul Pogba is the best midfielder in the team by some distance, although Nemanja Matić, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera are also excellent. We suggest playing Matić as a CDM where possible, while Herrera is our pick alongside Pogba at CM. There’s some outstanding potential in midfield to keep your eye on, too – Angel Gomes, James Garner, Andreas Pereira and Scott McTominay’s attributes can flourish substantially, with Garner (83 potential) and Gomes (87 potential) the pick of the bunch.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are particularly effective upfront, with the latter sporting a massive 91 potential. Expect 17-year-old Mason Greenwood to flourish in future Career Mode seasons, too. Rashford and Martial also work well as wingers in a 4-3-3 system with Lukaku, while Alexis Sánchez can replace Martial at left-wing when utilising two strikers. Tahith Chong is another wonderkid winger to keep an eye on.
Which tactics should you use?
Juan Mata takes a great corner in FIFA 19
© EA Sports
When choosing to use Lukaku as a target man, the Long Ball offensive style is great for launching effective attacks. Alternatively, the standard ‘balanced’ approach or even opting for a possession-based tactic can work well. We suggest sticking with the ‘press after possession loss’ defensive style, as United’s players are good at regaining possession quickly.
As for player instructions, build to your team's strengths. Forcing Matić to ‘stay back while attacking’ will allow him to carry out his duties effectively at CDM, while Pogba should be told to ‘get forward’ regularly to utilise his attacking skills. Telling Rashford and Martial to ‘drift wide’ in an ST role can make use of their winger-specific abilities, too.
Juan Mata is Man Utd’s best specialist from set pieces – he boasts an 86 FK accuracy and 85 curve stat. Paul Pogba isn’t far behind, however, with his 90 shot power and long pass abilities making up for his 82 FK accuracy and 85 curve attributes. It’s also advisable to assign Pogba as United’s default penalty taker for his menacing shot power alone.
