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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

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

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'