What is your favorite method of countering the classic 4-4-2 w/ short passing?

[Stephen Lam]

Try
4-1DMC (UP)-2nMC-2wAML/AMR-1

So that just sounds like 4-5-1 V formation with the DMC more attacking. How does that help me with defending against 4-4-2? I already know from experience that 4-5-1 V doesn't work well against it.

4141 if he is stronger or 442 if he is weaker than you

What sort of tactics would you recommend against 4-4-2 if you were running 4-1-4-1? I've had decent success with 4-1-4-1 in general on normal but not when using more defensive mentality.