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

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, 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,' Gueye stated 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 teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

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

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's 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'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'