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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played 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 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'