My Name Is MUFC: The Superfan Who Battled to Alter His Name
Ask any Manchester United fan who is older about the importance of 26 May 1999, and the answer will be that the date left an indelible mark. It was the night when last-minute strikes from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær completed an incredible late turnaround in the European Cup final against the German giants at the famous Barcelona stadium. It was also, the world of one devoted supporter in Eastern Europe, who has died at the 62 years old, changed forever.
Aspirations Under Communism
The fan in question was originally called Marin Zdravkov Levidzhov in Svishtov, a place with a tight-knit community. Being raised in communist Bulgaria with a passion for football, he aspired to changing his name to… his beloved club. But, to take 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 likely have been arrested.
A Vow Made Under Pressure
A decade after the fall of the regime in Bulgaria – on the unforgettable final – Marin's unique aspiration edged closer to reality. Tuning in from home from his simple residence in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin made a promise to himself: should his team mount a comeback, he would spare no effort to become known as 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.
A Protracted Court Struggle
The next day, Marin consulted an attorney to state his extraordinary desire, thus starting a grueling process. Marin’s father, from whom he had inherited his love of United, was long gone, and the man in his thirties was caring for his parent, employed in miscellaneous roles, including as a laborer on £15 a day. He was struggling financially, yet his dream became an obsession. He soon became the local celebrity, then became an international sensation, but 15 years full of legal battles and disheartening court decisions were to come.
Trademark Issues and Limited Success
Marin’s wish was rejected initially for copyright reasons: he could not change his name of a world-famous brand. Then a local judge allowed a compromise, saying Marin could modify his forename to the city name but that he was not to use the second part as his legal last name. “However, I desire to be named after a city in Britain, I want to carry the title of my beloved team,” Marin told the court. The battle persisted.
A Life with Feline Friends
Outside of legal proceedings, he was often looking after his cats. He had many animals in his outdoor space in Svishtov and loved them as much as the Red Devils. He gave each one a name after United players: such as Vidic and others, they were the most famous cats in town. Which was the favourite cat of Man U? One named after David Beckham.
He was often seen in full club regalia.
Breakthroughs and Principles
Another victory was secured in court: he was granted the right to append United as an legal alternative on his ID card. But he remained dissatisfied. “My efforts will persist until my complete identity is Manchester United,” he vowed. His story soon led to business offers – an offer to have club products made using his identity – but even with his monetary challenges, he rejected the opportunity because he did not want to profit from his favourite club. The club's identity was inviolable.
Goals Achieved and Enduring Symbols
A documentary followed in that year. The production team fulfilled his wish of experiencing the Theatre of Dreams and there he even encountered his compatriot, the national team player on the team's roster at the time.
He inked the team emblem on his brow subsequently as a protest against the judicial outcomes and in his last few years it became increasingly hard for him to continue his legal battle. Employment was hard to find and he was bereaved to the virus. But he managed to continue. Born as a Catholic, he got baptised in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name Manchester United Zdravkov Levidzhov. “Ultimately, my true name is recognized with my chosen name,” he would frequently remark.
This Monday, 13 October, his life came to an end. It is possible that Manchester United’s restless soul could achieve eternal tranquility.