5 HUGE Mistakes You MUST Avoid In FM26 | Football Manager 2026 Tutorial

Storyline

This video doesn’t cover the game’s “storyline” (Football Manager doesn’t have one). Instead, it focuses on how to manage your club save in Football Manager 2026 across tactics, contracts, squad management, and player development.

Gameplay / Management Highlights (the 5 mistakes)

1) Weak set-piece use: don’t ignore long throw-ins

The video argues you should get “5–10 extra goals per season” by optimizing set pieces—specifically throw-ins in the attacking third.

Many players leave attacking throw-in routines on staff preference, but the bigger issue is that the game may auto-assign the wrong throw-in takers.

Example problem described:

• Auto-assigned long throw takers were listed (e.g., Manuel Agbadou first, others behind).
• The creator found additional players on the bench/squad with higher long-throw ratings not being chosen.

Key tip:

• Check your squad for the best long-throw attribute players and manually ensure they’re used for throw-ins.

If you reposition a player to take a throw:

• Counter it with defensive cover by using an extra “stay back” / extra cover approach (as described).

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2) Transfer contract mistake: don’t accept too many “promises”

Players often ask for “promises” in contract negotiations (e.g., improve coaching, finish top half, etc.).

The creator’s advice:

• Remove/exclude promises from contract offers whenever possible.

Why it matters:

• If you “break” promises in FM, it can heavily damage:
  • individual player happiness/morale,
  • overall dressing room atmosphere/dynamics,
  • performance on the pitch.

Practical method described:

• Instead of deleting the promise (which may reappear), use the “remove and exclude” option so the player can’t bring it back up in later negotiations.

Note:

• Occasionally promises may be necessary if a player is out of reach, but in “most cases” you can avoid them.

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3) Conceptual strategy mistake: don’t misunderstand attribute meanings

The video recommends spending time learning what attributes actually represent.

Example misconceptions discussed:

• Aggression isn’t “dirtiness.” It’s about willingness to get stuck into tackles (success depends on decision-making and tackling attributes).
• Bravery can be risky: it reflects commitment to risky situations and can increase injury likelihood in some combinations.

Key tip:

• Read attribute tooltips/definitions and connect them to performance outcomes before making signings or role assignments.

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4) Underused mechanics mistake: don’t treat player traits as “set and forget”

Traits increase the likelihood of actions (e.g., “gets into the opposition area,” “moves into channels,” etc.).

Mistake:

• Accepting what’s already on the profile without considering whether you can/should add traits to better match the player’s strengths and your system.

Important nuance:

• Traits are not automatically good or bad—they’re context-dependent.
• Adding traits can use up some of a player’s potential, so choose carefully.

Suggested approach:

• Focus on players where trait learning matters most (often younger players).
• Use individualized traits to amplify strengths, such as:
  • off-ball / striker traits (e.g., beating an offside trap),
  • finishing behaviors (e.g., place shots),
  • dribbling/technique traits to enhance attacking options,
  • midfielders with passing quality to reinforce creative roles.

Flow described:

• Use Training → Individual Training → Trait section → add a new trait, accept/adjust based on assistant feedback, and let training develop over time.

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5) Squad-building mistake: plan contracts too late (or only 1 year ahead)

The creator stresses making contract decisions with a minimum 2-year planning horizon.

Problem with 1-year-by-year decisions:

• You may reach the final year and the player refuses a new deal.
• Then you lose them for free and lose the chance to sell.

Key scheduling ideas:

• At the start (example given for a Wolves save), make decisions for players whose contracts end by a target year (the creator uses contract end by 2027 as an example window).
• If you don’t want to keep someone, sell earlier while value is higher.
• If a player is unhappy or unlikely to sign (example mentioned: Jose Sa), plan sales before it becomes urgent.

Goal:

• Always be “ahead of the curve,” so you don’t miss out on cash-in or keep decisions too late.

Key Tips / Strategies (bullet recap)

• Long throw-ins: verify your throw-in takers; manually assign the player with the best long-throw ratings.
• If repositioning players for throw-ins, add defensive cover (stay back/extra man) to reduce counter risk.
• Contracts: remove/exclude promise clauses using remove and exclude so they can’t be reintroduced later.
• Learn attribute meanings via tooltips—don’t assume aggression/bravery map to “dirty” or “injury risk” in a simplistic way.
• Player traits: use Individual Training to add traits that reinforce a player’s strengths in your tactical setup.
• Contract planning: operate on a 2-year minimum basis; decide early who to keep, extend, or sell.

Gamers / Sources Featured

• FM Scout (channel mentioned in the video)
• No other specific gamers/creators are named as featured contributors.