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

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

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

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' 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

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'