Inquire of any United fan from an earlier generation concerning the meaning of 26 May 1999, and they'll recount that the date left an indelible mark. It was the evening when injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Solskjær secured an stunning come-from-behind victory in the Champions League final against the German giants at the Camp Nou. It was also, the world of one loyal follower in Bulgaria, who has died at the age of 62, was transformed.
Hopes in a Bygone Era
The fan in question was born Marin Zdravkov Levidzhov in his hometown, a community with a population of 22,000. Living in a socialist state with a passion for football, he aspired to changing his name to… the Red Devils. Yet, to claim the name of a sports team from the other side of the Iron Curtain was mission impossible. Had Marin tried to do so during the socialist era, he would almost certainly have been arrested.
A Promise Forged in Drama
Many seasons after the fall of the regime in Bulgaria – on the unforgettable final – Marin's unique aspiration came one step closer to fulfillment. Watching the final from his humble abode in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin vowed to himself: should his team mount a comeback, he would do anything to legally adopt the name 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 next day, Marin consulted an attorney to state his extraordinary desire, thus initiating a difficult fight. The parent who inspired him, from whom he had gained his fandom, was long gone, and the man in his thirties was living with his mother, taking on various types of work, including as a laborer on a meager daily wage. He was hardly making ends meet, yet his dream became an obsession. He rapidly evolved into the talk of the town, then gained worldwide attention, but many seasons full of court cases and discouraging rulings were to come.
Trademark Issues and Limited Success
Marin’s wish was rejected initially for copyright reasons: he was not permitted to adopt the name of a trademark known around the globe. Then a court official allowed a compromise, saying Marin could modify his forename to Manchester but that he was could not adopt the second part as his legal last name. “However, I desire to be named after a city in England, I want to bear the identity of my favourite football club,” Marin stated during proceedings. His fight went on.
A Life with Feline Friends
When not in court, he was often caring for his feline friends. He had a large number in his outdoor space in Svishtov and loved them as much as the Manchester United. He christened them after club legends: such as Vidic and others, they were the most famous cats in town. The one he loved most of the name they used? A kitty called Beckham.
His attire consistently showed his allegiance.
Progress and Integrity
Another victory was secured in court: he was permitted to include United as an official nickname on his personal papers. But still he wasn’t happy. “My efforts will persist until my full name is Manchester United,” he vowed. His story soon led to business offers – a proposal to have fan merchandise produced under his new name – but even with his monetary challenges, he rejected the opportunity because he refused to make money from his favourite club. The club's identity was beyond commercial use.
Dreams Realized and Lasting Tributes
His story was captured in that year. The crew made his aspiration come true of visiting Old Trafford and there he even had the chance to see his compatriot, the forward playing for United at the time.
Permanently marked the club badge on his brow three years later as a objection to the judicial outcomes and in his final years it became ever tougher for him to persist with his fight. Job opportunities were scarce and he lost his mother to the virus. But against the odds, he persevered. By birth a Catholic, he underwent baptism in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name the identity he sought. “Ultimately, my true name is recognized with my chosen name,” he used to say.
On a recent Monday, his life came to an end. It is possible that Manchester United’s determined supporter could finally find peace.
