Avoid filling all three tactic slots immediately. Focus on one until it becomes "fluid" to ensure players understand their roles. Training & Prep: Match Tactics
Unlike later versions where "Gegenpress" ruled, FM16 flourished under a "Control" or "Standard" mentality, focusing on high possession and short passing. The Exploit: Narrow 4-1-2-1-2 (The Diamond)
Not the game. The simulation.
Team Shape: Fluid. Tempo: Higher. Closing Down: Much More.
While there is no "magic" tactic, several community-tested systems consistently outperform others in FM 2016: The Narrow 4-2-3-1 & 4-1-2-3