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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. 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.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'