Benjamin Šeško’s early weeks at Manchester United have prompted public advice from a former club striker. The 22-year-old arrived in a big-money summer transfer and required six weeks to open his account for United. He has since scored twice in his last three Premier League starts, but remains under scrutiny as he adapts to a new league and country.

Dimitar Berbatov addressed Šeško’s development during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents, recommending a more forceful approach in live play and in team interactions. “Be confident in yourself. Be arrogant in a way that you demand the ball from your team-mates when you make the run,” he said.

Berbatov underlined the practical purpose of that confidence: to make teammates recognise and respect a striker’s movement. “When you make a good run, if the ball doesn’t come for you, say it or express it in a way that your teammates will understand that, ‘I am here. I’m making the run for you. Respect my run. Not every time but try to see me and believe in what I can do with that run,’” he added.

He was candid about the need for visible emotion at times. “Sometimes be angry. Scream, swear, whatever. [It’s] not personal. Just in a way that ‘I’m here, man. That’s why I’m here. Just give me the ball. Pass to me. I will try to score for you’.”

Berbatov also advised vocal communication beyond the moment of a run. “Halftime, before and after the game, speak. Sometimes I think the players need to be more aggressive and emotional, in a way like, ‘Pass me the damn ball, man!’”

The former United forward drew on his own experience at Old Trafford, noting he was older and more established when he arrived in late summer of 2008. He became United’s record signing at £30.75 million, a mark not surpassed until Juan Mata’s £37.1 million move in January 2014. Berbatov scored 56 times for United in four seasons and won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2010–11.

He concluded with a reminder of the striker’s simple metric of success. “In the end, it comes down to the goals for the strikers. If they don’t score enough goals, people will be on them,” he said, urging Šeško to put himself into the right positions and expect service.

Mikel Arteta named Max Dowman in his starting XI for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie with Brighton & Hove Albion, making sweeping changes after the weekend victory over Crystal Palace. The selection handed Dowman his first senior start and established a new club record.

At 15 years and 302 days, Dowman is the youngest starter in Arsenal history. He surpassed the previous mark set by academy graduate Jack Porter, who made his senior debut against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup last term at 16 years and 72 days.

Dowman is also already the second-youngest appearance-maker in Premier League history, a distinction only Ethan Nwaneri has claimed ahead of him. The teenager is expected to commit his long-term future to Arsenal and, given his early breakthrough, could add further records before the 2025/26 season concludes.

The start places Dowman among a long list of early debutants from Arsenal’s history. The club’s register of youngest starters includes Cesc Fàbregas (16 years, 177 days), Jack Wilshere (16 years, 266 days), Gerry Ward (16 years, 321 days), David O’Leary (17 years, 106 days), Serge Gnabry (17 years, 108 days), Arturo Lopoli (17 years, 125 days) and Richie Powling (17 years, 159 days). Jack Porter and Ethan Nwaneri also feature prominently in the modern era of academy graduations.

Arteta’s decision to rotate his squad for a cup tie reflects the club’s use of the Carabao Cup as a platform to blood youth players. Dowman’s elevation will be monitored closely as he transitions from academy prospect to senior squad member. The appearance is a significant milestone for the player and a notable moment in the club’s long history of introducing young talent at competitive level.

Mikel Arteta has played down the idea that Arsenal risk losing Max Dowman to Real Madrid or another rival while negotiations continue over the teenager’s status. Dowman, 15, is not yet eligible to sign a senior contract but is in discussions with the club about his scholar status and a first professional contract that can be pre-signed when he turns 16.

Arteta pointed to the player’s affinity with the club and the family’s attitude as reasons for optimism. “I don’t think about [losing Dowman] because everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive,” he told reporters. “[Staying long-term] is we all want and I think what he wants as well. After that it is more for [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club.

“But the feeling that I have is that genuinely he loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well. Hopefully for many years he will be with us.”

Dowman made his first-team debut in August, becoming the club’s second youngest ever player behind Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta has previously shown a willingness to hand very young players senior minutes, having introduced Nwaneri to the first team in 2022. Age alone has not been a barrier: “If we looked at his passport every day we would never play him, simple as that,” Arteta said. “So it is finding a balance, an understanding, especially the load, the things that are changing in his life, and making sure he can cope with that. So far, he has done that.”

This season Dowman has made three first-team appearances, totaling 54 minutes, and further chances could arise as Arsenal manage absences in attack. Arteta conceded the squad is stretched ahead of the Carabao Cup tie with Brighton & Hove Albion. “In the front line, that is where we have more difficulties,” he said. “Gabby Jesus out, Kai [Havertz] out, [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Noni] Madueke out. We have to be more careful as we don’t have many options. ]”