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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed 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.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'