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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was heroic 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.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

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

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'