Arteta's Dilemma: 15-Year-Old Dowman's Break vs Man Utd Clash

Arsenal opinion Arsenal face critical Max Dowman decision ahead of Man Utd clash after Mikel Arteta promise Max Dowman is to be given a rest following impressive pre-season with Arsenal confirms Mikel Arteta but youngster needs to be in the squad to face Manchester United footballlondon Bookmark Share Comments Arsenal opinion By Tom Canton Football Writer 16:00, 7 AUG 2025 Updated 16:05, 7 AUG 2025 Bookmark LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Max Dowman of Arsenal is challenged by Alfonso Pedraza of Villarreal CF during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal at Emirates Stadium on August 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) (Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Sign up to the free Arsenal newsletter so you don't miss the latest Gunners news, straight to your inbox More Newsletters Subscribe Please enter a valid email Something went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show me See Our Privacy Notice See Our Privacy Notice × Group 28 Sign up to the free Arsenal newsletter so you don't miss the latest Gunners news, straight to your inbox Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice I find myself being torn when discussing Max Dowman. There is the welfare aspect of talking about a player who is only 15 years old and understanding how much development is yet to go in this young man’s life, and then there is what my eyes see on the field which is an incredible talent who is having a serious tangible impact in every game he plays. Many would argue that if he’s making an impact and impressing, and he’s able to play, he should play. While others might be concerned about the hype consuming the talent and the potential ramifications of that. When asked about his chances of playing in the Premier League , Mikel Arteta appeared quick to quell expectations. He promised the player would now be given a break as he had not had the opportunity this summer. “Let's see how it goes,” he said. “Let's go into Saturday, into the break as well. “He needs a little break because he hasn't had any holidays really. So, in the next few days, he's going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he'll be ready again to go.” That being said, with a game of the importance of Manchester United coming up on the opening weekend, a team with Dowman in right now looks better than one without it. Arsenal have struggled to create high-value chances this pre-season, and two of their goals have come from penalties won by the youngster. That type of impact is not easy to find in the Arsenal team at the moment and should be taken into account. The clash with Athletic Club at the weekend may indeed be vital, and if Dowman again impresses, then he has been consistently impactful across all the games. There is no chance of drowning out the hype. There is not a club, manager, scout, or recruitment analyst in top-level football unaware of his talent. Arsenal's job is to show Dowman this is the place to be, where he will be given the pathway and minutes to succeed, and therefore, he will want to commit his long-term future to Arsenal. This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Sky Sports deal Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more. Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more. £35 Sky Get Sky Sports here Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow Football London Facebook X (Twitter) Comment More On Arsenal vs Manchester United Arsenal youth team Mikel Arteta Arsenal pre-season Premier League Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Max Dowman of Arsenal is challenged by Alfonso Pedraza of Villarreal CF during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal at Emirates Stadium on August 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) (Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

I find myself being torn when discussing Max Dowman. There is the welfare aspect of talking about a player who is only 15 years old and understanding how much development is yet to go in this young man’s life, and then there is what my eyes see on the field which is an incredible talent who is having a serious tangible impact in every game he plays.

Many would argue that if he’s making an impact and impressing, and he’s able to play, he should play. While others might be concerned about the hype consuming the talent and the potential ramifications of that.

When asked about his chances of playing in the Premier League , Mikel Arteta appeared quick to quell expectations. He promised the player would now be given a break as he had not had the opportunity this summer.

“Let's see how it goes,” he said. “Let's go into Saturday, into the break as well.

“He needs a little break because he hasn't had any holidays really. So, in the next few days, he's going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he'll be ready again to go.”

That being said, with a game of the importance of Manchester United coming up on the opening weekend, a team with Dowman in right now looks better than one without it. Arsenal have struggled to create high-value chances this pre-season, and two of their goals have come from penalties won by the youngster.

That type of impact is not easy to find in the Arsenal team at the moment and should be taken into account. The clash with Athletic Club at the weekend may indeed be vital, and if Dowman again impresses, then he has been consistently impactful across all the games.

There is no chance of drowning out the hype. There is not a club, manager, scout, or recruitment analyst in top-level football unaware of his talent. Arsenal's job is to show Dowman this is the place to be, where he will be given the pathway and minutes to succeed, and therefore, he will want to commit his long-term future to Arsenal.