Football Manager fans have already been enjoying early access to FM22 throughout the last week, with the beta version of the game out now for players who pre-ordered..
Football Manager (FM) is the world’s leading football management simulation title, with more than 50 countries to manage in and a database of over 800,000 players and staff it offers an incredibly detailed and immersive experience, and that continues to be the case in Sports Interactive's latest release FM22.
Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and due to this along with their star-studded line-up, exciting youth prospects and the real-life managerial debates, taking charge of United and attempting to lead them back to world football domination will be a popular choice in FM22.
But United aren't known by their official real-life name in FM22, following a trademark settlement between the club, Sports Interactive and Sega, United are named as Manchester UFC or Man UFC on FM22.
We've put together a complete team guide for Manchester United, or Man UFC, on FM22, to give you a helping hand when starting your new save at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Football Manager 2022 team guide
First day - Club vision and expectations
Your first meeting as manager of Manchester United is with United's chairperson Ed Woodward, who gives you a summary of the club's history, reputation, facilities, staff and trophy collection.
You'll notice that there's also a media prediction of a 4th place finish in the Premier League, based on the press' judgement of your squad.
Woodward will then discuss the short-term and long-term vision for the club, which will leave you with no doubts about what the club expects of you.
You are also informed of the club's five-year plan, which involves increasing the reputation of the club and yourself to the world's best, increasing commercial revenue and working within the wage budget.
Ongoing expectations: Increase commercial revenue and work within the wage budget.
End of current season: Qualify for the Champions League (required), reach the FA Cup final and reach the Champions League semi-final
End of 2022/23 season: Challenge for the Premier League title (preferred) and work towards becoming the most reputable team in the world.
End of 2023/24 season: YOUR CONTRACT EXPIRES and maintain a Premier League title. Continue working towards becoming the most reputable team in the world.
End of 2024/25 season: Maintain a Premier League title. Continue working towards becoming the most reputable team in the world.
End of 2025/26 season: Become the most reputable team in the world football, develop the best youth system in the country and maintain the Premier League title.
Recommended tactic
Woodward will then talk you through what your staff believes is the strongest Manchester United team, along with information on the club's best youth prospect and top earner at the club as well as giving you a summary of the club's transfer obligations.
After you finish the meeting, you can view your tactics, where you will see what your staff believe are the best tactical styles to work with based on the players at your disposal.
The thumbs-up icon against the tactics indicates that your staff believes the players in the club will perform best in these tactical systems.
According to your assistant manager Mike Phelan, the United squad suits the styles of Control Possession, Tiki-Taka or Fluid Counter-Attack.
Once you choose your preferred style, you will be taken through a tutorial to choose a suggested formation, player roles and overall team instructions, which you can edit to fit your specific playstyle.
Squad strengths and weaknesses
You can then view the team report tab to see who Mike Phelan (assistant manager) thinks is your strongest team, with a list of strengths and weaknesses throughout the squad that gives you the information needed to improve the squad and tailor your tactics to suit the squad's strengths.
Some of the major strengths of the United squad include the number of young prospects, the high stamina throughout the squad, the high levels of natural fitness, numerous player partnerships, good penalty takers and more.
Some of the major weaknesses, according to Phelan, are marking, positioning, long throws and more.
This is the full United squad when you start a new save in July 2021.
The squad features a total of 27 players, including four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders and five forwards.
What could you do with this squad?
Here are the three best players in the United squad according to FM22.
Key players
Cristiano Ronaldo
After his return to United in the summer transfer window, Ronaldo is the best player at United in FM22, with an incredible all-rounded profile.
The striker boasts three attributes with a 20 out of 20 rating - penalty-taking, determination and natural fitness.
Ronaldo also possesses high ratings in is finishing (19), heading (19), anticipation (19) and leadership (19).
Due to his age and length on contract, the striker is valued at between £14m-£17m.
Raphael Varane
Another summer arrival, Raphael Varane has one of the best in-game profiles at United in FM22, making him the best defender at the club.
His marking, tackling and positioning are his best stats, with all three rated 17 out of 20.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been United's most consistent player over the past few years, and that's been reflected in his impressive FM22 profile.
The midfielder ranks 19 out of 20 in three attributes - his determination, stamina and penalty taking, but his profile is much more impressive than just three stats, with 18 of his attributes rated 16 or higher.
Best Youngsters
Mason Greenwood
Widely regarded as one of the world's best youngsters, Greenwood has been a constant threat in United's squad for the last three seasons, making him United's best youngster.
The 20-year-old already boasts a strong profile in FM22, with his finishing, pace and determination all rated 17 out of 20.
So far this season, Greenwood's form has kept summer signing Jadon Sancho out of the side, proving how good he is and will be.
Shola Shoretire
At just 17-years-old, Shola Shoretire has been on the brink of the United first-team for a while now, and he has an impressive profile in FM22 with plenty of room for growth.
His best attribute is his flair, already rated at 18 out of 20.
Amad
Amad has struggled to make a name for himself in the first team like Greenwood after his arrival from Atalanta in January 2021, but there's no denying his potential, with the winger one of the best young players in United's squad.
Under 23 squad
Under 18 squad
16-year-old duo Ethan Ennis and Omari Forson both have the best potential in the U18 squad at the club - both tipped to reach the level of ability of Paul Pogba.
Injury Table
At the beginning of your Manchester United career, United will have an injury list with some big names included - the biggest being Marcus Rashford, who is out for three to four months.
Other players on the list are Alex Telles, Phil Jones, Dean Henderson, Anthony Martial and Donny Van de Beek, with Telles out for up to three months with a twisted ankle.
Transfer budget and wage bill
After a big summer that saw Ronaldo, Varane and Sancho all arrive at the club, United have been left with a £30m budget for the 2021/22 summer transfer window, with a £200k per week wage budget.
The budget will increase to £57.42m in the following season.
So, what's next as Man United manager?
Well, you will need to set up your coaching staff, scouts and carry out other club maintenance, as your choices now directly impact the club and whether you achieve success or failure.
Reckon you can do a better job of being a United manager than Solskjaer? Well, now's your chance!
.jpg?w=600)
