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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in Premier League

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

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, 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 Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, 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,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'