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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added 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,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

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

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'