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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return 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 accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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