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

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye 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' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' 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

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'