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

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban 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 can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'