Pose the question to any United supporter from an earlier generation about the importance of 26 May 1999, and they'll recount that the night left an indelible mark. It was the evening when last-minute strikes from Sheringham and Solskjær secured an unbelievable 2-1 comeback in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich at the famous Barcelona stadium. That same night, the existence of one United fan in Bulgaria, who has died at the age of 62, was transformed.
Aspirations Under Communism
That supporter was given the name Marin Levidzhov in Svishtov, a settlement with a modest number of residents. Living in a socialist state with a devotion to football, he aspired to adopting a new name to… the Red Devils. However, to claim the name of a organization from the Western world was an unattainable goal. Had Marin tried to do so prior to the end of communism, he would undoubtedly have been arrested.
A Commitment Sealed by Fate
Ten years after the political changes in Bulgaria – on the historic evening – Marin's unique aspiration edged closer to reality. Viewing the match from his simple residence in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin vowed to himself: if United somehow turned the game around, he would go to any lengths to legally adopt the name that of the team he adored. Then, against all odds, it transpired.
He realized his ambition to see the Theatre of Dreams.
Years of Judicial Challenges
A day later, Marin sought legal counsel to state his extraordinary desire, thus starting a grueling process. His dad, from whom he had learned to support the club, was deceased, 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 goal turned into a fixation. He quickly turned into the talk of the town, then was featured globally, but a decade and a half full of court cases and disheartening court decisions were to come.
Trademark Issues and Limited Success
The application was rejected initially for trademark concerns: he could not change his name of a trademark known around the globe. Then a court official ruled partially in his favour, saying Marin could alter his given name to the city name but that he was not to use United as his legal last name. “However, I desire to be named after a city in the UK, I want to wear the name of my cherished club,” Marin told the court. The battle persisted.
His Beloved Cats
When not in court, he was often caring for his feline friends. He had a large number in his garden in Svishtov and loved them as much as the his team. He gave each one a name after United players: such as Vidic and others, they were the celebrity pets in town. Which was the favourite cat of Man U? One named after David Beckham.
His attire consistently showed his allegiance.
Breakthroughs and Principles
Another victory was secured in court: he was granted the right to append United as an recognized alias on his personal papers. But still he wasn’t happy. “I won’t stop until my full name is Manchester United,” he promised. His tale attracted business offers – a chance to have club products made using his identity – but although he was in need, he rejected the opportunity because he refused to make money from his adored institution. The club's identity was beyond commercial use.
Dreams Realized and Lasting Tributes
A film was made in that year. The production team made his aspiration come true of visiting Old Trafford and there he even encountered the Bulgarian striker, the forward on the team's roster at the time.
He inked the United crest on his forehead at a later date as a demonstration against the court decisions and in his closing chapter it became increasingly hard for him to keep up the struggle. Work was limited and he suffered the death of his mother to Covid-19. But somehow, he found a way. Originally of Catholic faith, he got baptised in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name Manchester United Zdravkov Levidzhov. “At least God will know me with my chosen name,” he would frequently remark.
On a recent Monday, his time ran out. It is possible that Manchester United’s persistent fan could at last be at rest.
