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

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'