I Go By Man Utd: The Superfan Who Battled to Alter His Legal Name
Ask any United devotee who is older regarding the significance of May 26th, 1999, and the answer will be that the night left an indelible mark. It was the evening when last-minute strikes from Teddy Sheringham and Solskjær completed an incredible come-from-behind victory in the showpiece event against the German giants at the Camp Nou. Simultaneously, the existence of one loyal follower in Eastern Europe, who passed away at the 62 years old, took a new direction.
Aspirations Under Communism
The fan in question was originally called Marin Zdravkov Levidzhov in a small Danube town, a place with a population of 22,000. Being raised in a socialist state with a passion for football, he longed to changing his name to… Manchester United. Yet, to claim the name of a sports team from the Western world was an unattainable goal. Any effort to do so prior to the end of communism, he would likely have ended up in jail.
A Vow Made Under Pressure
Many seasons after the fall of the regime in Bulgaria – on the unforgettable final – Marin's unique aspiration edged closer to fulfillment. Viewing the match from his humble abode in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin swore an oath to himself: should his team mount a comeback, he would spare no effort to legally adopt the name that of the object of his devotion. Then, against all odds, it transpired.
A lifelong wish to walk the halls of the famous stadium came true.
The Long Legal Battle
The next day, Marin sought legal counsel to present his unique case, thus initiating a difficult fight. His dad, from whom he had learned to support the club, was long gone, and the man in his thirties was residing with his mom, working all kinds of odd jobs, including as a builder on £15 a day. He was struggling financially, yet his dream became an obsession. He quickly turned into the subject of gossip, then was featured globally, but 15 years full of court cases and discouraging rulings were to come.
Trademark Issues and Limited Success
The application was turned down at first for copyright reasons: he could not change his name of a internationally recognized entity. Then a presiding magistrate granted a limited approval, saying Marin could alter his given name to Manchester but that he was prohibited from using the second part as his legal last name. “However, I desire to be named after a city in Britain, I want to carry the title of my beloved team,” Marin told the court. The struggle continued.
A Life with Feline Friends
When not in court, he was often looking after his cats. He had a large number in his garden in Svishtov and held them in the same esteem as the Manchester United. He gave each one a name after club legends: from Rio to Rooney, they were the most famous cats in town. The one he loved most of his close friends' nickname for him? A kitty called Beckham.
He was often seen in full club regalia.
Progress and Integrity
Another victory was secured in court: he was allowed to add United as an recognized alias on his personal papers. But still he wasn’t happy. “I will continue until my full name is the club's title,” he declared. His narrative resulted in financial opportunities – a proposal to have fan merchandise made using his identity – but even with his monetary challenges, he rejected the opportunity because he did not want to profit from his adored institution. The club's identity was inviolable.
Goals Achieved and Enduring Symbols
His story was captured in 2011. The crew turned Marin’s dream of experiencing the Theatre of Dreams and there he even had the chance to see his compatriot, the Bulgaria striker then at the club at the time.
Permanently marked the club badge on his forehead subsequently as a protest against the court decisions and in his final years it became increasingly hard for him to keep up the struggle. Job opportunities were scarce and he suffered the death of his mother to Covid-19. But he managed to continue. Originally of Catholic faith, he was christened in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name the identity he sought. “In the eyes of the divine, I am with my true identity,” he often stated.
Earlier this week, his time ran out. Perhaps now the club's determined supporter could at last be at rest.
