I Am Called Man Utd: This Die-Hard Supporter Who Fought to Change His Name
Inquire of any Man United devotee who is older regarding the meaning of that fateful day in May 1999, and they'll recount that the occasion was life-altering. It was the evening when last-minute strikes from Sheringham and Solskjær completed an unbelievable late turnaround in the Champions League final against the German giants at the Camp Nou. Simultaneously, the world of one devoted supporter in Bulgaria, who has died at the 62 years old, took a new direction.
Hopes in a Bygone Era
That supporter was born Marin Levidzhov in Svishtov, a settlement with a modest number of residents. Growing up in the former Eastern Bloc with a love of football, he dreamed of changing his name to… his beloved club. But, to claim the name of a sports team from the other side of the Iron Curtain was mission impossible. If he had attempted to do so prior to the end of communism, he would likely have been arrested.
A Promise Forged in Drama
Ten years after the end of communism in Bulgaria – on the historic evening – Marin's idiosyncratic dream came one step closer to achievement. Watching the final from his modest home in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin made a promise to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would spare no effort to become known as that of the team he adored. Then, against all odds, it transpired.
Marin fulfils his dream of visiting Old Trafford.
The Long Legal Battle
The following morning, Marin visited a lawyer to state his extraordinary desire, thus starting a grueling process. His dad, from whom he had gained his fandom, was no longer alive, and the man in his thirties was residing with his mom, working all kinds of odd jobs, including as a builder on minimal earnings. He was hardly making ends meet, yet his aspiration grew into a mania. He quickly turned into the subject of gossip, then gained worldwide attention, but 15 years full of judicial disputes and discouraging rulings lay ahead.
Legal Obstacles and Small Wins
The application was turned down at first for copyright reasons: he could not change his name of a world-famous brand. Then a court official allowed a compromise, saying Marin could change his first name to Manchester but that he was prohibited from using United as his official surname. “However, I desire to be named after a city in Britain, I want to carry the title of my cherished club,” Marin told the court. The struggle continued.
His Beloved Cats
During breaks from litigation, he was often tending to his pets. He had a large number in his garden in Svishtov and cherished them equally with the his team. He gave each one a name after team stars: from Rio to Rooney, they were the celebrity pets in town. Which was the favourite cat of the name they used? One named after David Beckham.
Marin bedecked in United gear.
Advances and Ethics
Another victory was secured in court: he was allowed to add United as an legal alternative on his personal papers. But this did not satisfy him. “I won’t stop until my complete identity is the club's title,” he promised. His narrative resulted in commercial propositions – a chance to have supporters' goods made using his identity – but although he was in need, he declined the proposal because he was unwilling to gain financially from his beloved team. The Manchester United name was beyond commercial use.
Aspirations Fulfilled and Final Acts
A film was made in 2011. The filmmakers turned Marin’s dream of seeing the iconic stadium and there he even encountered his compatriot, the Bulgaria striker playing for United at the time.
He inked the team emblem on his face three years later as a demonstration against the legal rulings and in his last few 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 the pandemic. But against the odds, he persevered. By birth a Catholic, he was christened in an religious institution under the name Manchester United Zdravkov Levidzhov. “At least God will know me with my real name,” he used to say.
On a recent Monday, his heart stopped beating. Maybe at last Manchester United’s persistent fan could finally find peace.