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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'