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

Rare Situation in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure 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 Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• '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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'