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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display 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 visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended 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

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'