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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up 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 Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

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

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'