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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation 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 dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation 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 squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides 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 have to bounce back from this performance.'