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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

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

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON 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

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'