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Ask any Man United fan from an earlier generation regarding the significance of May 26th, 1999, and they'll recount that the date changed them forever. It was the moment when dramatic late goals from Sheringham and Solskjær completed an unbelievable late turnaround in the Champions League final against the German giants at the famous Barcelona stadium. It was also, the existence of one devoted supporter in Bulgaria, who passed away at the 62 years old, changed forever.

Hopes in a Bygone Era

The fan in question was born Marin Levidzhov in a small Danube town, a settlement with a population of 22,000. Growing up in communist Bulgaria with a love of football, he longed to adopting a new name to… his beloved club. However, to claim the name of a organization from the other side of the Iron Curtain was an unattainable goal. If he had attempted to do so during the socialist era, he would likely have been arrested.

A Promise Forged in Drama

Many seasons after the political changes in Bulgaria – on that night in May 1999 – Marin's unique aspiration edged closer to fulfillment. Watching the final from his modest home in Svishtov and with United trailing, Marin made a promise to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would go to any lengths to legally adopt the name that of the team he adored. Then, against all odds, it transpired.

Marin fulfils his dream of visiting Old Trafford.

A Protracted Court Struggle

A day later, Marin consulted an attorney to express his unusual request, thus beginning a long, hard battle. Marin’s father, from whom he had inherited his love of United, was long gone, and the 36-year-old was residing with his mom, working all kinds of odd jobs, including as a laborer on £15 a day. He was struggling financially, yet his goal turned into a fixation. He soon became the talk of the town, then became an international sensation, but 15 years full of legal battles and disheartening court decisions lay ahead.

Legal Obstacles and Small Wins

The application was denied early on for copyright reasons: he was not permitted to adopt the name of a world-famous brand. Then a presiding magistrate granted a limited approval, saying Marin could change his first name to the city name but that he was prohibited from using United as his official surname. “However, I desire to be identified with an urban area in Britain, I want to wear the name of my cherished club,” Marin informed the judge. The battle persisted.

Companions in Adversity

Outside of legal proceedings, he was often caring for his feline friends. He had many animals in his garden in Svishtov and cherished them equally with the his team. He gave each one a name after club legends: including Ferdinand and Rooney, they were the most famous cats in town. Which was the favourite cat of his close friends' nickname for him? One named after David Beckham.

Marin bedecked in United gear.

Advances and Ethics

Another victory was secured in court: he was permitted to include the club name as an recognized alias on his personal papers. But he remained dissatisfied. “I will continue until my complete identity is the club's title,” he vowed. His narrative resulted in business offers – a chance to have supporters' goods made using his identity – but although he was in need, he declined the proposal because he was unwilling to gain financially from his adored institution. The club's identity was inviolable.

Dreams Realized and Lasting Tributes

A documentary followed in 2011. The production team made his aspiration come true of experiencing the Theatre of Dreams and there he even had the chance to see his compatriot, the national team player playing for United at the time.

Permanently marked the United crest on his brow three years later as a objection to the judicial outcomes and in his closing chapter it became increasingly hard for him to continue his legal battle. Job opportunities were scarce and he lost his mother to Covid-19. But somehow, he found a way. By birth a Catholic, he got baptised in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name his desired full name. “Ultimately, my true name is recognized with my chosen name,” he used to say.

This Monday, 13 October, his heart stopped beating. It is possible that Manchester United’s persistent fan could at last be at rest.