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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach 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 speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run 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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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