I Go By Man Utd: This Die-Hard Supporter Who Fought to Alter His Legal Name
Inquire of any Manchester United devotee who is older concerning the importance of 26 May 1999, and the answer will be that the date left an indelible mark. It was the moment when dramatic late goals from Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær sealed an unbelievable 2-1 comeback in the showpiece event against Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou. Simultaneously, the life of one loyal follower in Eastern Europe, who passed away at the 62 years old, changed forever.
Aspirations Under Communism
The fan in question was originally called Marin Levidzhov in a small Danube town, a settlement with a tight-knit community. Growing up in communist Bulgaria with a devotion to football, he aspired to legally altering his identity to… the Red Devils. Yet, to adopt the name of a organization from the Western world was a futile endeavor. If he had attempted to do so before the fall of the regime, he would almost certainly have been arrested.
A Commitment Sealed by Fate
Ten years after the political changes in Bulgaria – on the unforgettable final – Marin's idiosyncratic dream came one step closer to achievement. 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 go to any lengths to become known as that of the object of his devotion. Then, against all odds, it transpired.
He realized his ambition to see the Theatre of Dreams.
The Long Legal Battle
The following morning, Marin sought legal counsel to state his extraordinary desire, thus beginning a long, hard battle. His dad, from whom he had inherited his love of United, was no longer alive, and the 36-year-old was caring for his parent, working all kinds of odd jobs, including as a construction worker on minimal earnings. He was barely getting by, yet his goal turned into a fixation. He soon became the talk of the town, then was featured globally, but many seasons full of court cases and disheartening court decisions were to come.
Legal Obstacles and Small Wins
The application was turned down at first for intellectual property issues: he was barred from using the title of a internationally recognized entity. Then a court official granted a limited approval, saying Marin could alter his given name to Manchester but that he was not to use United as his official surname. “Yet my aim is to be identified with an urban area in Britain, I want to bear the identity of my cherished club,” Marin informed the judge. The battle persisted.
His Beloved Cats
During breaks from litigation, he was often looking after his cats. He had plenty of them in his outdoor space in Svishtov and loved them as much as the Red Devils. He christened them after United players: including Ferdinand and Rooney, they were the most famous cats in town. Which was the favourite cat of Man U? A kitty called Beckham.
Marin bedecked in United gear.
Progress and Integrity
He achieved a further success in court: he was permitted to include United as an legal alternative on his identification document. But this did not satisfy him. “My efforts will persist until my full name is the club's title,” he vowed. His story soon led to business offers – an offer to have supporters' goods made using his identity – but even with his monetary challenges, he turned down the offer because he was unwilling to gain financially from his favourite club. The club's identity was inviolable.
Aspirations Fulfilled and Final Acts
A film was made in that year. The production team fulfilled his wish of visiting Old Trafford and there he even encountered his compatriot, the national team player then at the club at the time.
He inked the United crest on his brow subsequently as a objection to the legal rulings and in his last few years it became increasingly hard for him to continue his legal battle. Job opportunities were scarce and he was bereaved to the virus. But against the odds, he persevered. Originally of Catholic faith, he got baptised in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name his desired full name. “At least God will know me with my real name,” he often stated.
Earlier this week, his heart stopped beating. It is possible that Manchester United’s determined supporter could finally find peace.
