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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable 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.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

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