🔗 Share this article I Am Called Manchester United: The Superfan Who Fought to Change His Name Inquire of any Man United devotee who is older regarding the importance of 26 May 1999, and the answer will be that the date was life-altering. It was the moment when dramatic late goals from Sheringham and Solskjær secured an stunning 2-1 comeback in the European Cup final against Bayern Munich at the famous Barcelona stadium. That same night, the world of one United fan in Bulgaria, who recently died at the age of 62, took a new direction. Hopes in a Bygone Era The fan in question was originally called Marin Levidzhov in his hometown, a settlement with a population of 22,000. Living in communist Bulgaria with a passion for football, he aspired to changing his name to… his beloved club. However, to adopt the name of a organization from the other side of the Iron Curtain was a futile endeavor. Any effort to do so prior to the end of communism, he would almost certainly have been arrested. A Commitment Sealed by Fate Ten years after the end of communism in Bulgaria – on that night in May 1999 – Marin's unique aspiration came one step closer to reality. Watching the final from his simple residence in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin swore an oath to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would go to any lengths to become known as that of the team he adored. Then, against all odds, it transpired. A lifelong wish to walk the halls of the famous stadium came true. A Protracted Court Struggle The next day, Marin sought legal counsel to state his extraordinary desire, thus initiating a difficult fight. His dad, from whom he had gained his fandom, was long gone, and the 36-year-old was caring for his parent, taking on various types of work, including as a construction worker on minimal earnings. He was barely getting by, yet his goal turned into a fixation. He rapidly evolved into the subject of gossip, then was featured globally, but many seasons full of legal battles and discouraging rulings lay ahead. Copyright Hurdles and Partial Victories The application was denied early on for copyright reasons: he could not change his name of a trademark known around the globe. Then a local judge granted a limited approval, saying Marin could change his first name to Manchester but that he was not to use the second part as his official surname. “However, I desire to be named after a city in England, I want to bear the identity of my cherished club,” Marin stated during proceedings. His fight went on. Companions in Adversity During breaks from litigation, he was often tending to his pets. He had many animals in his back yard in Svishtov and cherished them equally with the Red Devils. He gave each one a name after team stars: from Rio to Rooney, they were the most famous cats in town. Who was his preferred pet of his close friends' nickname for him? One named after David Beckham. He was often seen in full club regalia. Progress and Integrity Marin managed another breakthrough in court: he was permitted to include United as an legal alternative on his identification document. But he remained dissatisfied. “My efforts will persist until my entire name is Manchester United,” he promised. His tale attracted financial opportunities – a proposal to have supporters' goods branded with his legal name – but despite his financial struggles, he turned down the offer because he refused to make money from his beloved team. The team's title was beyond commercial use. Dreams Realized and Lasting Tributes His story was captured in 2011. The filmmakers turned Marin’s dream of experiencing the Theatre of Dreams and there he even encountered the Bulgarian striker, the Bulgaria striker then at the club at the time. Marin tattooed the club badge on his brow three years later as a demonstration against the judicial outcomes and in his final years it became ever tougher for him to keep up the struggle. Work was limited and he lost his mother to the virus. But somehow, he found a way. Born as a Catholic, he got baptised in an orthodox church under the name Manchester United Zdravkov Levidzhov. “In the eyes of the divine, I am with my real name,” he often stated. On a recent Monday, his life came to an end. Maybe at last the club's persistent fan could achieve eternal tranquility.