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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking 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 monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'