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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'