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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• '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 becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'