We continue our tactic series for Football Manager 26 with the 3-4-2-1 | 5-2-3 Goal Machine tactic (FM26 tactic) created by Knap, a well-known name among players who enjoy using ready-made tactics.
Here are the details of Knap’s tactic and the simulation results with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
With the release of FM26, the redesigned tactical screen increased players’ interest in the game. However, many users struggled to adapt to the new interface, which led to mixed reactions within the Football Manager community.
After the winter transfer update (26.2) released on March 9, several gameplay and match engine issues — such as certain teams dominating leagues unrealistically — were largely improved. Although the tactical screen received important updates, the match engine changes forced many players to rethink their tactical setups.
Because of this, we decided to continue sharing updated and newly released FM26 tactics with you.
The tactic created by Knap is built on a flexible formation:
- 3-4-2-1 when in possession
- 5-2-3 when defending
This system allows teams to control possession in attack while maintaining defensive solidity without the ball, making it suitable for both top clubs and competitive mid-table teams.
We combined Knap’s Goal Machine Tactic with the corner tactic previously shared on our site to maximize goal output and set-piece efficiency.
The tactic was tested through simulations with three different teams, and the results were analyzed accordingly.
Simulation conditions:
- Knap Goal Machine Tactic used in all teams
- Corner tactic included in all simulations
- Same tactical structure applied consistently
- Season-long simulations conducted
Now, let’s take a look at the simulation results for Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
Click to download the corner kick tactics
Click here to download the Knap Goal Machine Tactic (3-4-2-1 | 5-2-3)
FM26 Knap Goal Machine Tactic | FM26 Arsenal Tactic Simulation Results
In Possession – Team Instructions
Out of Possesion – Team Instructions
In our 1-season simulation with Arsenal, the following achievements were accomplished:
- Emirates FA Cup Championship / Final match against Liverpool
- Premier League Championship / Championship with 135 goals and 100 points
- UEFA Champions League Round of 16 / Opponent Real Madrid
Of the 135 goals Arsenal have scored in 38 Premier League matches, 17 have come from corners.
- Bukaya Saka: 44 goals and 34 assists in 57 matches across all competitions Viktor Gyokeres: 41 goals and 11 assists in 60 matches across all competitions
- Gabriel Martinelli: 39 goals and 14 assists in 60 matches across all competitions
- Declan Rice: 21 goals and 20 assists in 58 matches across all competitions
FM26 Knap Goal Machine Tactic | FM26 Tottenham Tactic Simulation Results
In our one-season simulation with Tottenham, the following achievements were obtained:
- UEFA Champions League Championship / Final match against Manchester City
- Premier League 2nd place / 88 goals – 2nd place with 82 points
In terms of player statistics:
- Dominic Solanke scored 24 goals and provided 6 assists in 48 matches across all competitions
- Richarlison scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists in 54(2) matches across all competitions
- Mohammed Kudus scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists in 13(43) matches across all competitions
- Xavi Simons scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 22(32) matches across all competitions
FM26 Knap Goal Machine Tactic | FM26 Manchester United Tactic Simulation Results
In our one-season simulation with Manchester United, the following achievements were obtained:
- Carabao EFL Cup Championship
- Super Lig 5th place / 91 goals – 68 points
In terms of player statistics:
- Mathematic Cunha scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 38(10) matches across all competitions
- Benjamin Sesko scored 18 goals and provided 5 assists in 45 matches across all competitions
- Bruno Fernandes scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists in 48 matches across all competitions
- Amad scored 11 goals and provided 9 assists in 16(7) matches across all competitions
