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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve 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 accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• 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 warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'