The former Sunderland manager criticized Dalot and a number of other players on Sunday afternoon. The Irish were embarrassed that they didn’t show a fight when they needed to.
Keane pointed to Rodgers’ opening goal at Villa Park as a worrying indicator. Sky Sports pundits questioned whether United were aware of the unfolding threat.
“We have access to all the talent in the world,” Keene said. “I say it again and again, you have to roll up your sleeves and when the game gets a little tense there are moments where you think, ‘I’m just going to do my part for the team.’ There are too many players like Dalot who don’t do enough.
“I wouldn’t use the word cheating, but they just didn’t put in enough effort. And after the game, I was watching him and not looking at other parts of the game.
“It’s the same with the first goal when Rodgers put the ball out. We’re all sitting there and we know there’s danger. Don’t they know there’s danger?”
With Brian Mbeumo, Amadou and Nuseir Mazraoui unavailable for the African Cup of Nations, Dalot recognized that fringe players also had a chance to prove themselves. Academy prospects Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey were both handed their senior debuts.
After the match, Dalot told Sky Sports: “It’s a time when other players get their chance and I have to step up and show that I deserve to be in the team and get more minutes. I think the players who get their chance need to think that way.”
