A detailed guide and tutorial on how to play Football Manager

A detailed guide and tutorial on how to play Football Manager

Helix Odhiambo
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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ENG EFL Championship
England
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FIFA World Cup
International

Football Manager (FM) is a series of simulation video games where people manage the world's best teams to create their football story. The game has become popular among fans, allowing them to experience the coaching role. As a result, many people want to know how to play Football Manager for free on their devices.

How to play Football Manager 2024
Two friends pictured playing a video football game in the living room. Football Manager has become a leisure activity of the young generation. Photo: Westend61
Source: Getty Images

Football Manager helps people develop their vision, tactics, and decision-making skills in football. It is even better for those trying to get into coaching. Some clubs have also used the technology to scout for young talents. Read below to learn how to play Football Manager on a laptop, PC, Macbook, TV, or phone.

How to play Football Manager

Is Football Manager easy to learn? The game requires excellent knowledge of football. It is an intense process that takes time to understand. Creating a solid team that matches Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City standards requires a proper setup and getting the right players suitable for your tactics.

History of Football Manager

How to play Football Manager for free
Football Manager game has evolved since the first edition FM05 released in 2004. Photo: @FootballManager (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

Online gaming has increased in popularity since the introduction of computers. Football Manager is one of the most popular games globally. The first version of the FM was released in November 2004, succeeding the Championship Manager series, founded by the Collyer brothers Paul and Oliver.

The Championship Manager was popular in the 90s before Sports Interactive developed the Football Manager. Sports Interactive releases new versions of the game every year. The London-based game developer unveiled its latest and 20th edition, the FM24, on 6 November 2023.

Which Football Manager game is better?

People have different preferences depending on how they interact with the games. FM23 and FM24 are the latest and among the best because of their advanced features.

How to play Football Manager 2024

Football Manager 24 is arguably the most complete edition in the series, offering a great gaming experience. You can play it on different platforms, namely:

  • PC/Mac (FM24)
  • Xbox/Windows 10 PC/PlayStation 5 (FM24 Console)
  • Mobile phone (FM24 Mobile)
  • iPhone/iPad/Mac/AppleTV (FM24 Touch)

The latest Football Manager edition has new exciting features like smarter transfers and finance, financial fair play (FFP), individual player targets, and interaction logic. It also has set piece coaches, inverted full-backs, and new game modes, including original, real world, and your world, to start your journey.

How to play Football Manager on MacBook

How to play Football Manager on laptop
A young man plays a football video game on a laptop computer. Football Manager has different versions compatible with multiple devices. Photo: Tero Vesalainen
Source: Getty Images

Learning how to play Football Manager 2023 on MacBook is relatively easy. You can purchase and download the FM23 macOS version on Steam and the Epic Games Store. After downloading, install it and start the game on your MacBook.

The second way of enjoying the game on MacBook is streaming through a cloud gaming service like Boosteroid, XCloud, and Netflix. You must subscribe to the respective service to access FM23.

Playing FM23 with Boosteroid (Steam version)

Here is a guideline on how to play FM23 with Boosteroid with the stream version:

  • Go to the Boosteroid website and set up an account.
  • After logging in, choose "My Account" on the upper-right corner of your screen.
  • Click on "My Subscriptions" to activate a suitable package.
  • Proceed to search the game's name, Football Manager 23
  • Hit the "Play" button, then select "OK", directing you to your Stream account.
  • Enter your Stream details. Once you log in, FM23 will start in your Mac browser.

Playing FM23 with Game Pass

Football Manager tips 2023
Football Manager 2024 Console is available on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, but Football Manager 2024 is available on PC Game Pass. Photo: @XboxGamePassPlayers, @footballmanager (modified by author)
Source: UGC

You can also enjoy Football Manager 23 using Xbox Cloud Gaming by subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Here is your step-by-step guide:

  • Go to Xbox and click "Join" after selecting your plan.
  • Use your Microsoft credentials to log in to your account.
  • After logging in, go to the Game Pass menu, locate Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), and enter 'Football Manager 2023' in the search area.
  • Hit "Play" to launch into your managerial career in football.

Can I play Football Manager on Android?

Can I play Football Manager on Android?
Football Manager 2023 Mobile is among the best in the series and at the top of the mobile soccer gaming leagues. It offers a fast-paced experience for players who prefer convenience using phones. Photo: @FootballManager, @footballmanager (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Sports Interactive also developed the mobile version of FM23 for Android users to enjoy the game anytime and anywhere in their comfort. Here are guidelines on how to go about it.

  • Download the mobile version from the Google Play Store app.
  • After downloading, run the application to launch the game.
  • You can also play it offline.

How to play Football Manager on Chromebook

Although Chromebook's operating system, Chrome OS, is not officially supported by the Football Manager, you can still play it on the computer using the Xbox Game Pass or Steam Link. You can also use the FM23 mobile on Chromebook.

How to play Football Manager 23

How to play Football Manager on Chromebook
Sports Interactive released Football Manager 23 in November 2022. It is one of the best games in the series. Photo: @FootballManager (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

FM23 is one of the best sports simulation games ever. There are other exciting EA play games that fans also love in 2023, but FM stands out for football fans. Here are eight Football Manager tips for 2023 to help you navigate the game as a beginner.

1. Maintain a game speed of at least three stars

As a beginner, set your game speed to at least three stars on the advanced setup page to allow FM23 to run smoothly on your machine. Picking a more extensive database for sourcing players could also slow your gaming.

2. Optimize your tactics based on your team's strengths and weaknesses

Set your tactics based on your team's strengths and weaknesses. Begin with the tactical style recommended during the in-game tutorial, then make slight adjustments as you continue the game.

3. Participate in friendly matches

You can earn an extra income to buy more players by participating in friendly matches. It also helps you experiment using the controls to shoot, score penalties, and deliver accurate passes.

4. Keep your players happy

How to play Football Manager 2023 on Mac
Football Manager has diverse features that help you manage your team better and improve the players' performance. Photo: @FootballManager (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

Use the 'Dymanics' tab to boost the morale of your team. You can increase their confidence by doing well in press conferences, winning matches, and conducting team meetings successfully.

5. Check your inbox regularly

It is advisable to check your inbox for information like scouting reports, injury updates, training results, and transfers. You can also find pre-game analyses about your upcoming opponents to help you prepare.

6. Ensure you achieve your club's vision

Every head coach should work towards impressing the board members and sticking to the club's vision and way of doing things. Any lapse or failure is a risk to your job.

7. Learn how to earn the club more money

One of the best ways to ensure cash flow is by encouraging your supporters to watch your games to increase ticket sales. Performing well also attracts investors and sponsors.

Is Football Manager better than FIFA Career Mode?

Is Football Manager better than FIFA Career Mode?
FIFA 24 Career Mode is one of the best sports video games in the business. It offers different experiences and features as compared to Football Manager. Photo: @EAFC24CareerMode, @footballmanager (modified by author)
Source: UGC

FIFA's Career Mode is an offline game that allows fans to control a team or a player through multiple seasons to become the best in the world. It is different from Football Manager, which has a superior depth. Here is a comparison of the two.

Feature

Football Manager

FIFA

Offline Game Mode

Career Mode, Create a Club

Career Mode

Online Game Mode

Online Career, Fantasy Draft, Versus Mode

Ultimate Team, Pro Clubs

Graphics

Outdated and Dry

Highly Detailed

Realism

Very realistic

Unrealistic

Gameplay Mechanics

Focused on Management and does not allow player control

Focused on Matches and Player Control

Maximum Seasons Playable

Unlimited

15

User Interface

Detailed

Clean and Simple

Playable Leagues

123

30

Off-pitch Management

Highly Detailed

Non-existent

Player Interaction

Highly Detailed

Non-existent

Platforms

PC, PS4, PS5, MacOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Series S, Nintendo Switch,

PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Series S, Nintendo Switch

Price

$55

$73.33

Understanding how to play Football Manager video games helps you know the sport better from the head coach's perspective. You get a deep understanding of player fitness, tactics, and day-to-day demands. FM also sharpens your decision-making and leadership skills.

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The weight restrictions in NASCAR give the race cars equal competing ground and help balance the vehicles. Follow the above link to know the minimum weight of the cars.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.