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Pose the question to any Manchester United supporter who is older regarding the meaning of that fateful day in May 1999, and the answer will be that the date changed them forever. It was the moment when last-minute strikes from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær sealed an incredible 2-1 comeback in the showpiece event against the German giants at the Camp Nou. That same night, the world of one loyal follower in Bulgaria, who passed away at the age of 62, changed forever.

A Dream Born in Communist Bulgaria

That supporter was born Marin Levidzhov in his hometown, a community with a tight-knit community. Being raised in communist Bulgaria with a love of football, he aspired to legally altering his identity to… Manchester United. Yet, to take the name of a sports team from the Western world was an unattainable goal. Had Marin tried to do so during the socialist era, he would likely have ended up in jail.

A Promise Forged in Drama

Ten years after the end of communism in Bulgaria – on the historic evening – Marin's personal goal edged closer to fulfillment. Watching the final from his humble abode in Svishtov and with the score against them, Marin vowed to himself: in the event of a reversal, he would go to any lengths 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

A day later, Marin sought legal counsel to express his unusual request, thus initiating a difficult fight. His dad, from whom he had gained his fandom, was long gone, and the 36-year-old was caring for his parent, employed in miscellaneous roles, including as a builder on minimal earnings. He was barely getting by, yet his dream became an obsession. He rapidly evolved into the talk of the town, then gained worldwide attention, but many seasons full of legal battles and discouraging rulings were to come.

Trademark Issues and Limited Success

The application was turned down at first for intellectual property issues: he could not change his name of a trademark known around the globe. Then a court official ruled partially in his favour, saying Marin could alter his given name to the city name but that he was could not adopt United as his family name. “Yet my aim is to be named after a city in England, I want to wear the name of my beloved team,” Marin stated during proceedings. The battle persisted.

Companions in Adversity

When not in court, he was often looking after his cats. He had a large number in his back yard in Svishtov and held them in the same esteem as the Red Devils. He gave each one a name after club legends: from Rio to Rooney, they were the best-known felines in town. Who was his preferred pet of Man U? One named after David Beckham.

He was often seen in full club regalia.

Progress and Integrity

He achieved a further success in court: he was granted the right to append the club name as an official nickname on his personal papers. But he remained dissatisfied. “I will continue until my complete identity is the club's title,” he promised. His narrative resulted in financial opportunities – a proposal to have fan merchandise branded with his legal name – but despite his financial struggles, he turned down the offer because he did not want to profit from his adored institution. The Manchester United name was beyond commercial use.

Dreams Realized and Lasting Tributes

A film was made in that year. The filmmakers made his aspiration come true of experiencing the Theatre of Dreams and there he even met the Bulgarian striker, the forward on the team's roster at the time.

He inked the United crest on his brow at a later date as a demonstration against the legal rulings and in his last few years it became increasingly hard for him to keep up the struggle. Employment was hard to find and he was bereaved to the pandemic. But he managed to continue. By birth a Catholic, he was christened in an Eastern Orthodox church under the name Manchester United Zdravkov Levidzhov. “At least God will know me with my true identity,” he often stated.

Earlier this week, his time ran out. Perhaps now the club's restless soul could finally find peace.