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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable 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 visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

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

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'