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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'