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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, 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 accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, 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. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which ended 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,' who drop back 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 must recover strongly from this display.'