A method for manufacturing a fiber web having a three-dimensional surface structure and a strength. The method includes the steps of pre-imprinting the fiber web, pressing the fiber web and forming the fiber web. The pre-imprinting step pre-imprints the fiber web at a dry content of less than 25% with an imprinting band using a first pressure field. The pressing step presses the fiber web onto the imprinting band using a second pressure field. The pressing step further dewaters and dries the fiber web fixing the three-dimensional surface structure and the strength. The forming step forms the fiber web on the imprinting band.