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

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak 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's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'