🔗 Share this article My Name Is MUFC: The Superfan Who Battled to Change His Legal Name Inquire of any United supporter of a certain age regarding the significance of 26 May 1999, and the answer will be that the night left an indelible mark. It was the moment when injury-time goals from Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær sealed an incredible late turnaround in the showpiece event against the German giants at the famous Barcelona stadium. It was also, the world of one United fan in Eastern Europe, who has died at the 62 years old, took a new direction. Aspirations Under Communism That supporter was given the name Marin Levidzhov in Svishtov, a community with a tight-knit community. Living in communist Bulgaria with a devotion to football, he aspired to legally altering his identity to… his beloved club. But, to take the name of a organization from the Western world was mission impossible. If he had attempted to do so before the fall of the regime, he would likely have been arrested. A Commitment Sealed by Fate Ten years after the fall of the regime in Bulgaria – on that night in May 1999 – Marin's personal goal came one step closer to achievement. Tuning in from home from his modest home in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin vowed to himself: should his team mount a comeback, he would go to any lengths to change his name that of the team he adored. Then, against all odds, it transpired. Marin fulfils his dream of visiting Old Trafford. The Long Legal Battle The following morning, Marin consulted an attorney to present his unique case, thus starting a grueling process. His dad, from whom he had gained his fandom, was long gone, and the man in his thirties was residing with his mom, employed in miscellaneous roles, including as a construction worker on £15 a day. He was barely getting by, yet his aspiration grew into a mania. He rapidly evolved into the talk of the town, then was featured globally, but many seasons full of legal battles and disheartening court decisions lay ahead. Trademark Issues and Limited Success His request was denied early on for intellectual property issues: he was barred from using the title of a trademark known around the globe. Then a court official allowed a compromise, saying Marin could change his first name to the city name but that he was prohibited from using the second part as his official surname. “Yet my aim is to be associated with just a place in Britain, I want to carry the title of my cherished club,” Marin told the court. His fight went on. Companions in Adversity During breaks from litigation, he was often caring for his feline friends. He had a large number in his garden in Svishtov and cherished them equally with the Manchester United. He christened them after club legends: from Rio to Rooney, they were the celebrity pets in town. Who was his preferred pet of Man U? A kitty called Beckham. He was often seen in full club regalia. Advances and Ethics Another victory was secured in court: he was allowed to add United as an official nickname on his ID card. But this did not satisfy him. “I won’t stop until my entire name is the club's title,” he promised. His story soon led to business offers – a chance to have fan merchandise 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. Goals Achieved and Enduring Symbols His story was captured in 2011. The crew fulfilled his wish of experiencing the Theatre of Dreams and there he even had the chance to see his compatriot, the forward on the team's roster at the time. He inked the club badge on his forehead at a later date as a objection to the court decisions and in his closing chapter it became ever tougher for him to persist with his fight. Work was limited and he was bereaved to the virus. But he managed to continue. Born as a Catholic, he got baptised in an orthodox church under the name his desired full name. “At least God will know me with my true identity,” he used to say. This Monday, 13 October, his life came to an end. Maybe at last the club's restless soul could achieve eternal tranquility.