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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance 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 entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run 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,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'