The latest instalment of EA Sports flagship series, FIFA 17 hit the shelves this week and, after the demo gave everyone a glimpse, it is time to sink your teeth into the real stuff, Career Mode.

One team that will be popular across the gaming globe will be Jose Mourinho’s Man United, and they will present quite the opportunity for success on the new game.

With the demo giving fans a taste of what was to come, many make-believe managers across the world will already have big plans for their Career Modes on the new game.

With their huge summer additions in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba, the Red Devils look the real deal once again, and can do big things on FIFA 17 this year.

Just how can you get the best out of the squad as manager, and how will you take to pressure from the board on the new club management features? Never fear, Shoot! have prepared the ultimate Man United guide for FIFA 17.

The Spine

A strong spine is the key to any successful side, and if you want to take Man United all the way, then you’ll have to build your squad around these star players.

GK – David De Gea

The Spanish shot-stopper has improved year-upon-year at Old Trafford and there is no sign of that changing over the coming seasons, he will be your main man in between the sticks as you strive for success.

CB – Eric Bailly

The former Villarreal man has proved his worth in the real-world Premier League so far this season, and being only 22-years-old, he can anchor your United defence for years to come in the virtual world.

CM – Paul Pogba

Jose Mourinho’s star signing this summer has all the attributes to go right to the top on FIFA. His strength and power mean he will be the favourite for most midfield battles and, as long as you can get him in the right position, you’ll score bags of brilliant goals with him.

ST – Anthony Martial

Now, before you disregard this choice instantly, Martial is a real favourite of the team behind FIFA. Currently rated at 82 for the new season, the 20-year-old has the potential to rise to an overall of 90 if you nurture him correctly.

The Objectives

When you set out on your new Career Mode in FIFA 17, you will be met with a whole new set of challenges, centred around the management of you club at board level.

There are five areas on which a club owner will judge your tenure at a club; domestic success, continental success, brand exposure, financial and youth development. These five factors are ranked in terms of importance, of which there are five levels; very low, low, medium, high and critical.

When taking the reigns at Old Trafford, you’d be rather naive to expect that it would be an easy ride in terms of objectives set by the board, they are an expectant bunch.

The club are valued at just north of £3bn, whilst you are handed £102m to splash on players. For that the board regard success both home and abroad on the pitch and off it; with domestic and continental success being ranked as critical, alongside brand exposure.

With the club being in such a healthy financial state, this area is ranked as a low priority, it would be rather impressive if you managed to get sacked because of issues around the finances.

Finally, with such a rich history of producing youngsters through their academy, it is surprising to see youth development ranked at just medium, meaning you have more of a remit to go and spend big on star names.

The Youngsters

Bringing through young talent is crucial in any FIFA Career Mode, however highly the club prioritise it, whether that be nurturing a future star, or just adding to your side with decent young players, taking advantage of your academy brings plenty of benefits.

A quick glance across the United ranks and there are some standout stars ready to make their mark for your Red Devils side as you prepare to conquer world football.

Marcus Rashford

The shining light of last season at Old Trafford, Rashford will be key to your side going forward. He has been handed a fairly harsh rating of 76 at the outset, but has the potential to grow to the lofty heights of 88.

Luke Shaw

The former Southampton man has the real-world potential to go on and become the best left-back in the world, that is no exaggeration. This is reflected in his FIFA potential, currently rated at 80, the England international can, like his teammate Rashford, get up to 88.

Anthony Martial
As already mentioned, the 20-year-old will be a key player in your Red Devils Career Mode on FIFA 17. The former Monaco man is rated 91 for pace, meaning that he will be a superb asset if you’re looking to get in behind the back four on regular occasions.

Weakest Area

It’s quite hard to pick holes in United’s side this season, however, one area which you may want to consider beefing up with your £102m budget in the first window is the right back slot.

With Antonio Valencia the current first choice man in the position, and Italian international Matteo Darmian as backup, it is the weakest area in the side, and there are plenty of choices out there for you to splash the cash on.