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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'