10 Teams to Manage during FM23 Early Access

Early Access for Football Manager 2023 has arrived, and you are no doubt seeking a challenge to take on.

With plenty of new features available in FM23, we have ten short-term save suggestions for you to get stuck into.

Let’s dig in…

Manchester City

Now fully licenced for Football Manager 2023, Manchester City boast an incredible squad full of depth, and an enviable academy too. While you’ll be immediately fighting for honours with some of Europe’s most exciting players, such as İlkay Gündoğan, Kevin De Bruyne and João Cancelo, the chance to mould some hot prospects into first-team stars is an intriguing challenge.

Leading the line, Erling Haaland is another name that needs no introduction to Football Manager players. Having lit up FM for many seasons, the talismanic Norwegian has been demonstrating his world-class qualities at Manchester City since joining from Borussia Dortmund and the opportunity to manage him is a tantalising prospect.

Tasked with preserving City as one of the world’s most feared sides, can you also give valuable playing time to top prospects like Cole Palmer and Josh Wilson-Esbrand?

LAFC

In their quest for MLS Cup success, LAFC have secured a couple of blockbuster signings with Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini making the move to Los Angeles.

Bale joins a formidable attack, spearheaded by Cristian Arango and captain Carlos Vela, while Chiellini bolsters their backline after spending 18 trophy-laden years at Juventus.

A fiercely competitive MLS awaits the two veterans - your challenge is to add the MLS Cup to last year’s Supporters’ Shield.

Juventus

Juventus’ faithful have been waiting for glory in the UEFA Champions League since the 1995/96 season, and with some astute signings in the transfer market, perhaps you are the manager to bring the trophy back to Turin.

Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria have joined the club on free transfers in the summer, while Bremer has bolstered the defence after making the short move across the city from local rivals Torino.

Supreme crosser Filip Kostic, fresh from his heroics in the UEFA Europa League with Frankfurt, has also signed up alongside a couple of smart loan signings in Arkadiusz Milik and Leandro Paredes. With a raft of new signings to bolster Juventus’ spine, the fans are waiting for glory in Europe – fancy the challenge?

Burnley

With Burnley now back in the Sky Bet Championship after a six-year absence, there is a new style of play underway at Turf Moor, with possession-based football now all the rage.

Five new signings have also joined from the Belgian Jupiler Pro League following a summer of change, with former West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen one of the new boys having signed from Anderlecht.

Your task is to chase glory and seek an immediate return to the top flight – can you achieve that by adopting Burnley’s brand-new style?

Union Berlin

Union Berlin have made a sensational start to the season, going top of the Bundesliga in September for the first time ever in their history. 

Having also secured an impressive fifth-placed finish last year, and a spot in the UEFA Europa League, spirits are high in south-east Berlin.

Still a relative newcomer in the Bundesliga, after promotion in 2018/19, their unique and passionate fanbase are dreaming of glory both domestically and in Europe. Can you deliver in your first season?

Hull City

Under the ambitious ownership of Acun Ilıcalı, Hull City have made some savvy signings in their bid to secure promotion from the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 2015/16.

Jean Michaël Seri has arrived to provide some experience in midfield, while promising Iranian Allahyar Sayyadmanesh has joined on a permanent basis – one of a number of additions from Turkey. 

With lofty ambitions and smart signings, the Tigers are on the prowl for glory in the Sky Bet Championship. Your task is to achieve that goal.

Feyenoord

A summer rebuild in Rotterdam saw the arrival of a number of young prospects, with the club signing nine players under the age of 23 on permanent deals.

One of those to join De Kuip is former Ajax forward Danilo Pereira, who arrived on a free transfer from their Eredivisie rivals and has shown his star quality this season.

With a young, exciting squad at your disposal, Feyenoord’s hardcore fans will be looking for you to achieve success both domestically and in the Europa League.

Hibernian

The summer brought huge change at Hibernian, with several new signings arriving at Easter Road. 

Experienced heads Aiden McGeady and David Marshall have joined the ranks, while younger players Nohan Kenneh, Lewis Miller and Jair Tavares can all be developed into future stars.

With a blend of youth and experience, can you find the right balance to mount a serious challenge to Celtic and Rangers’ dominance at the top of the cinch Scottish Premiership?

Schalke 04

Back in the Bundesliga after a one-year absence, Schalke’s fiercely loyal faithful deserve some success following a few years of hardship.

Boasting the fourth biggest stadium in Germany, Schalke’s fans are known for their strong support and with the arrival of Alex Král in midfield, they will be hoping for brighter days ahead.

The Revierderby with Borussia Dortmund is a match rich in history, and is often seen as the biggest rivalry in Germany. Success over BVB and a return to Europe will see your name etched in club folklore.

Sunderland

Returning to the Sky Bet Championship after a four-year absence, positivity is high in Sunderland.

With the biggest stadium in the second tier, you won’t be short on support at the Stadium of Light. Astute business in the transfer window has also seen the arrival of Jack Clarke on a permanent deal, following an impressive spell on loan last year.

Promotion is the ultimate goal for Sunderland fans, and with ambitious ownership, are you ready to take on the challenge in the north east?