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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words 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 team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

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

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'