Danny I use Counter Attack, pressure and opposite side attack depending on the situation.
Pimp I can't get those images to load mate...
And as for defending, it's hard to say what you may be doing wrong without seeing you in action, but try to lay off the sprint unless you really need to catch someone, holding sprint while changing player can cause the newly selected player to dart off, which is all the space a good attacker needs to get through, and don't hold X down constantly to tackle, press it at the last moment. Most of the time you can shoulder someone off the ball without pressing a button, maybe sprint in a small burst will help when you very near to the player.
I find covering the area the player is looking to pass or run to is more effective than just running at the player in possession. Holding square in bursts to bring someone over to help while you simply cover the ground, giving other midielders chance to get back, then use defenders to make slide tackles.
AMF's to fill in for me, I would suggest Rooney or Ronaldinho.
Also have a look for Boniek in the classic players, he can play SS, AMF and WF, he is VERY fast and has excellent allround skills, not to mention a high teamwork rating.
I never bother with the default ML players, I find myself getting frustrated with their mediocrity, rather than enjoying the game, which is what it's all about for me, fun.
In general ML play, I will use a different variant of 442 or 433 depending on how the oppostion is set out. If a team is set out to attack, I'll play counter attack, if they are set out to defend I'll pile on the pressure and watch out for them countering me. If it's a strong team I'll set out a strong team, if it's weak opposition, I'll give some youngsters a game and play very attacking. Also I'll make changes during almost every game, sometimes even after only a few minutes if I feel the need, maybe not to change a player, but to strengthen an area or put more focus on the oppositions weakness. Always use at least 2 subs after 60-70 mins. The extra fitness can have a huge impact if used wisely.
Fergie and Mourinho have got nowt on me...