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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first 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' display was heroic as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'