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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed 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.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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