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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'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 opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'