The ex-Sunderland boss criticised Dalot and numerous other players on Sunday afternoon. The Irishman was baffled that they failed to show fight when necessary.

Keane pointed to Rogers’ opening goal at Villa Park as a concerning indicator. The Sky Sports pundit questioned whether United spotted the threat as it developed.

“You can have all the talent in the world,” Keane said. “We’ve mentioned it time and time again but you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and when the game gets a bit tight there’s moments where you go, ‘I’m just going to do my bit for the team’. There’s too many players, like Dalot, that just don’t do enough.

“I won’t use the word cheating but they’re not just doing enough. And after the game I’d be looking at him – I wouldn’t be looking at other bits of the game.

“Same for the first goal when Rogers gets the ball wide. We’re all sitting there and we know there’s danger. Do they not know there’s danger?”

With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments, Dalot recognised that fringe players would have their chance to prove themselves. Academy prospects Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey were both handed their senior debuts.

Speaking to Sky Sports following the match, Dalot said: “This is the time when opportunities come for other players and you have to step up and show you deserve to be in the team and play more minutes. I think that’s how the players who get opportunities need to look at it.”