I Am Called Man Utd: The Die-Hard Supporter Who Struggled to Change His Legal Name
Inquire of any Manchester United supporter who is older about the meaning of that fateful day in May 1999, and they will tell you that the occasion left an indelible mark. It was the night when injury-time goals from Sheringham and Solskjær completed an incredible late turnaround in the showpiece event against the German giants at the Camp Nou. Simultaneously, the world of one devoted supporter in Eastern Europe, who has died at the age of 62, changed forever.
A Dream Born in Communist Bulgaria
The fan in question was originally called Marin Levidzhov in Svishtov, a community with a tight-knit community. Being raised in communist Bulgaria with a love of football, he longed to adopting a new name to… the Red Devils. Yet, to adopt the name of a football club from the Western world was mission impossible. If he had attempted to do so before the fall of the regime, he would almost certainly have been arrested.
A Promise Forged in Drama
Ten years after the political changes in Bulgaria – on the unforgettable final – Marin's unique aspiration came one step closer to achievement. Tuning in from home from his simple residence in Svishtov and with United trailing, Marin swore an oath to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would do anything to legally adopt the name 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.
Years of Judicial Challenges
The next day, Marin visited a lawyer to express his unusual request, thus starting a grueling process. The parent who inspired him, from whom he had inherited his love of United, was deceased, and the 36-year-old was caring for his parent, working all kinds of odd jobs, including as a construction worker on a meager daily wage. He was struggling financially, yet his goal turned into a fixation. He soon became the local celebrity, then was featured globally, but 15 years full of court cases and setbacks in litigation were to come.
Legal Obstacles and Small Wins
Marin’s wish was rejected initially for trademark concerns: he was barred from using the title of a world-famous brand. Then a local judge ruled partially in his favour, saying Marin could modify his forename to the city name but that he was prohibited from using the second part as his family name. “But I don’t want to be associated with just a place in Britain, I want to carry the title of my beloved team,” Marin informed the judge. The battle persisted.
His Beloved Cats
Outside of legal proceedings, he was often looking after his cats. He had many animals in his outdoor space in Svishtov and held them in the same esteem as the Red Devils. He gave each one a name after team stars: such as Vidic and others, they were the most famous cats in town. The one he loved most of the name they used? The feline known as Beckham.
He was often seen in full club regalia.
Breakthroughs and Principles
Marin managed another breakthrough in court: he was granted the right to append United as an legal alternative on his ID card. But he remained dissatisfied. “I will continue until my complete identity is as I desire,” he vowed. His story soon led to financial opportunities – a chance to have supporters' goods made using his identity – but despite his financial struggles, he turned down the offer because he did not want to profit from his beloved team. The team's title was sacred to him.
Aspirations Fulfilled and Final Acts
A film was made in that year. The crew turned Marin’s dream of seeing the iconic stadium and there he even met Dimitar Berbatov, the Bulgaria striker on the team's roster at the time.
He inked the team emblem on his face at a later date as a objection to the judicial outcomes and in his final years it became ever tougher for him to continue his legal battle. Work was limited and he was bereaved to the virus. But somehow, he found a way. Born as a Catholic, he was christened in an religious institution under the name the identity he sought. “In the eyes of the divine, I am with my chosen name,” he often stated.
On a recent Monday, his heart stopped beating. Perhaps now the club's determined supporter could at last be at rest.
