MANCHESTER United's preparations for Sunday's Premiership showdown with Blackburn Rovers have been hit by revelations that Ryan Giggs was involved in an ugly bust-up with team-mate Roy Carroll.

According to Press reports this morning, the pair had to be separated as tempers boiled over at the players' Christmas party.

They were seen 'nose to nose and swearing at each other' after a row erupted between the pair in the early hours.

Security staff at the hotel in the city had to step in to diffuse the situation, according to eye witness reports.

One on-looker said: "It was all pretty nasty but they didn't actually come to blows. I think drink had played its part.

"There were all kinds of rumours flying around afterwards over what it was all about but it certainly wasn't nice to see."

Giggs, pictured right, had started the celebrations in an Irish pub in Manchester City centre earlier that day, where he was also joined by team-mates Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Nicky Butt, Luke Chadwick and David May.

The party then moved on to the Living Room bar nearby before ending up at the Rossetti Hotel where the trouble flared.

The source added: "It was handbags at dawn between Giggsy and Roy Carroll but when Sir Alex Ferguson finds out he'll no doubt be less than pleased."