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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder 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 struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory 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 Response

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

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said 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 travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'