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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse 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 asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'