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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• '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 the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'