This is interesting to hear. I worked at the Copthorne for a few months 6 years ago, and back then most of the teams stayed there. I myself served cappuccinos to Sir Bobby and Sir Alex the night before the game.
What I found interesting was that Man U had steak for their evening meal before the game, would have thought they'd be carboloading on pasta. Rio Ferdinand was the exception, and retired to his room with three Muller Lights.
The Hilton was being built back then, and Copthorne were worried they'd lose some business - looks like they did.