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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win 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

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'