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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added 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,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' 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

United head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'