I Go By Man Utd: The Superfan Who Battled to Change His Legal Name

Inquire of any Man United devotee from an earlier generation about the meaning of that fateful day in May 1999, and the answer will be that the occasion was life-altering. It was the evening when dramatic late goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær secured an stunning late turnaround in the Champions League final against the German giants at the Camp Nou. It was also, the existence of one loyal follower in Eastern Europe, who passed away at the age of 62, took a new direction.

A Dream Born in Communist Bulgaria

This individual was born Marin Zdravkov Levidzhov in his hometown, a community with a modest number of residents. Growing up in a socialist state with a passion for football, he dreamed of adopting a new name to… his beloved club. But, to adopt the name of a sports team from the capitalist west was an unattainable goal. Had Marin tried to do so prior to the end of communism, he would likely have been arrested.

A Vow Made Under Pressure

Many seasons after the political changes in Bulgaria – on the unforgettable final – Marin's personal goal edged closer to fulfillment. Tuning in from home from his humble abode in Svishtov and with United trailing, Marin vowed to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would do anything to change his name that of the object of his devotion. Then, a miracle occurred.

A lifelong wish to walk the halls of the famous stadium came true.

The Long Legal Battle

A day later, Marin visited a lawyer to state his extraordinary desire, thus initiating a difficult fight. Marin’s father, from whom he had gained his fandom, was long gone, and the man in his thirties was caring for his parent, employed in miscellaneous roles, including as a laborer on minimal earnings. He was struggling financially, yet his goal turned into a fixation. He rapidly evolved into the local celebrity, then gained worldwide attention, but many seasons full of legal battles and disheartening court decisions awaited him.

Legal Obstacles and Small Wins

His request was denied early on for copyright reasons: he was not permitted to adopt the name of a internationally recognized entity. Then a presiding magistrate granted a limited approval, saying Marin could alter his given name to the city name but that he was prohibited from using the second part as his legal last name. “Yet my aim is to be named after a city in the UK, I want to carry the title of my favourite football club,” Marin told the court. The battle persisted.

Companions in Adversity

During breaks from litigation, he was often caring for his feline friends. He had many animals in his outdoor space in Svishtov and held them in the same esteem as the Manchester United. He christened them after team stars: from Rio to Rooney, they were the best-known felines in town. Who was his preferred pet of his close friends' nickname for him? A kitty called Beckham.

His attire consistently showed his allegiance.

Advances and Ethics

Another victory was secured in court: he was allowed to add United as an recognized alias on his identification document. But this did not satisfy him. “I will continue until my full name is Manchester United,” he promised. His narrative resulted in commercial propositions – a chance to have fan merchandise produced under his new name – but even with his monetary challenges, he declined the proposal because he was unwilling to gain financially from his beloved team. The club's identity was sacred to him.

Dreams Realized and Lasting Tributes

A documentary followed in 2011. The crew turned Marin’s dream of visiting Old Trafford and there he even had the chance to see the Bulgarian striker, the national team player then at the club at the time.

He inked the club badge on his brow three years later as a objection to the court decisions and in his last few years it became ever tougher for him to keep up the struggle. Work was limited and he lost his mother to Covid-19. But somehow, he found a way. Originally of Catholic faith, he underwent baptism in an religious institution under the name the identity he sought. “Ultimately, my true name is recognized with my chosen name,” he would frequently remark.

On a recent Monday, his life came to an end. It is possible that Manchester United’s persistent fan could achieve eternal tranquility.