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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 Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's 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'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'