I Go By MUFC: The Die-Hard Supporter Who Battled to Change His Legal Name
Ask any Man United devotee from an earlier generation concerning the meaning of 26 May 1999, and they'll recount that the occasion was life-altering. It was the evening when injury-time goals from Sheringham and Solskjær sealed an stunning come-from-behind victory in the European Cup final against the German giants at the famous Barcelona stadium. That same night, the existence of one devoted supporter in Eastern Europe, who recently died at the age of 62, was transformed.
A Dream Born in Communist Bulgaria
That supporter was originally called Marin Levidzhov in Svishtov, a place with a tight-knit community. Living in communist Bulgaria with a love of football, he aspired to changing his name to… the Red Devils. But, to adopt the name of a football club from the capitalist west was mission impossible. Had Marin tried to do so before the fall of the regime, he would likely have been arrested.
A Vow Made Under Pressure
Many seasons after the political changes in Bulgaria – on the historic evening – Marin's idiosyncratic dream moved nearer to reality. 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 spare no effort to become known as that of the object of his devotion. Then, against all odds, it transpired.
A lifelong wish to walk the halls of the famous stadium came true.
A Protracted Court Struggle
A day later, Marin sought legal counsel to present his unique case, thus beginning a long, hard battle. His dad, from whom he had learned to support the club, was no longer alive, and the 36-year-old was caring for his parent, taking on various types of work, including as a construction worker on minimal earnings. He was barely getting by, yet his goal turned into a fixation. He rapidly evolved into the subject of gossip, then became an international sensation, but 15 years full of court cases and discouraging rulings lay ahead.
Trademark Issues and Limited Success
Marin’s wish was denied early on for copyright reasons: he could not change his name of a world-famous brand. Then a local judge ruled partially in his favour, saying Marin could change his first name to Manchester but that he was prohibited from using United as his family name. “However, I desire to be associated with just a place in Britain, I want to bear the identity of my beloved team,” Marin informed the judge. The struggle continued.
His Beloved Cats
Outside of legal proceedings, he was often caring for his feline friends. He had many animals in his outdoor space in Svishtov and cherished them equally with the his team. He gave each one a name after club legends: such as Vidic and others, they were the most famous cats in town. The one he loved most of Man U? One named after David Beckham.
His attire consistently showed his allegiance.
Advances and Ethics
Another victory was secured in court: he was permitted to include the club name as an recognized alias on his identification document. But this did not satisfy him. “I will continue until my complete identity is as I desire,” he promised. His narrative resulted in business offers – an offer to have club products produced under his new name – but despite his financial struggles, he turned down the offer because he was unwilling to gain financially from his favourite club. The Manchester United name was beyond commercial use.
Goals Achieved and Enduring Symbols
A film was made in that year. The filmmakers turned Marin’s dream of visiting Old Trafford and there he even had the chance to see Dimitar Berbatov, the national team player playing for United at the time.
He inked the club badge on his forehead three years later as a objection to the court decisions and in his last few years it became more and more difficult for him to continue his legal battle. 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 underwent baptism in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name Manchester United Zdravkov Levidzhov. “Ultimately, my true name is recognized with my true identity,” he would frequently remark.
On a recent Monday, his life came to an end. Perhaps now the club's persistent fan could finally find peace.