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

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage 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 Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

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

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'