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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended 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,' who drop back it's difficult

United 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.'