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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early altercation 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 squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'