@LTFC
Just some quick screenshots from my game against Schalke.
This is my standard formation. I use this formation right at the start of a game.
This is my formation for the last minutes of the game.
Here you can see the man-marking i chose for this game.
As you can see my first CB Boateng is man-marking the only striker Marica.
My second CB is man-marking Holtby (he is playing as AMF) and my DMF Gustavo is man-marking Holtby too.
For the man-marking tactic i adjust the
pressing slider at 20 (it is 12 normally), because i want my players marking/covering as close as possible.
Late in the game (Minute 80) i switch between my tactic 1 and tactic 4. I chose tactic 4 every time i come close to the opponent goal. If i give away the ball my CBs and DMFs are close to both schalke players. I chose a double man-marking at holtby because he will likely get the ball at first if schalke start a counterattack (they love to counterattack through the middle). I put pressure on him even before he receive the ball.
You have to keep in mind that you need to adjust this kind of tactic game by game. If a team play with 2 strikers you need to adjust. If they come with 2 AMF you need to adjust.
Of course there is no need to play with 2 DMF. It is up to you to find a working tactic for the last minutes of the game. Imo the formation is not the key, smart man-marking and high pressure is what stops quick counter attacks. But you still need to react fast and see what is coming and the best way to defend is not giving the ball away. That works 100% every time.
I'm honest here. I would not tell you "i don't have this problem" if it wouldn't be true. AI don't score a lot of late goals against me anymore. I have adapt and it is not a problem at all anymore.