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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'