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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance 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 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.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham 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,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'