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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

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 celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates 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 National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'