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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution 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 disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking urgency 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'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'