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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• '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,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'