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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance 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,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'