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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye 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 remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• '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

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'