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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance 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 away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

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 narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'