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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON 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 Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'