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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager 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 was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'