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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting 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 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• 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 likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'