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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed 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 a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'