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

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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