The age beats the previous record of 16 years, 201 days set by Hakeeb Adelakun on December 29th, 2012 when he came on as a substitute in an away league encounter against Tranmere Rovers.
With Tuesday's encounter coming in the Carabao Cup, Adelakun still retains the record as United's youngest league player.
Dawson, who came on in the 74th minute, became only the sixth 16-year-old to make a senior appearance for the club with Kit Manager Nathan Stanton also falling into that bracket when he made his debut in Division Three against Scarborough on April 13th, 1997 at 16 years, 342 days.
