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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's 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,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'