A FOOTBALL super-fan who changed his name to Mr Manchester United and had the club tattooed on his head has died aged 62.
Marin Zdravkov Lavidzhov – a construction worker from Bulgaria – was inspired to follow the Red Devils after their heroic 1999 Champions League win.
Marin Zdravkov Lavidzhov – who changed his name to Mr Manchester United – has died[/caption]
The Bulgarian passed away aged 62[/caption]
He won the right to change his name to Mr United in 2014[/caption]
And The Sun made his dream of visiting Old Trafford come true[/caption]
He got emotional visiting the players’ dressing room[/caption]
He then campaigned for 15 YEARS to legally change his name to Manchester United – which he won in 2014.
His home in Bulgaria was filled with United memorabilia, including posters, jerseys and banners of his favourite players like Dimitar Berbatov.
But the die-hard fan – who later became known as Manchester Zdravkov Levidzhov-United – has passed away.
Mr United – as he was legally known – came up with the idea to change his name while hungover after United’s iconic 2-1 win over Bayern Munich.
His fight to do so was even documented in a 2011 Bulgarian film titled My Mate Manchester United.
And after his decade-and-a-half legal battle – he celebrated the victory by having the club’s badge inked on his forehead.
The Sun even made his dream of visiting Old Trafford come true in 2014.
Mr United was given a private tour of the Theatre of Dreams – before being whisked to the Stadium of Light to see his team take on Sunderland.
Mr United reads his piece in the paper[/caption]
He was given a ticket to United’s match at Sunderland[/caption]
Speaking through a translator, he said at the time: “I can’t thank The Sun enough for making my dream come true.
“Seeing where my lifelong heroes have walked and played is the greatest thing I have ever experienced.
“I will cherish this day forever and will tell my family and friends about it for the rest of my life.”
Mr United – who even named his cat David Beckham after his favourite player of all time – travelled over 4,000 miles for the tour.
The loyal supporter broke down in tears when he entered the players’ changing room – also weeping when he walked on to the hallowed turf.
Unfortunately for Mr United, he watched as his beloved side drew 1-1 with Sunderland, later finishing fourth in the table.
Mr United returned to Manchester in 2017 during pre-season to visit the players – who ended up coming second to City that campaign.
Not much is known about how the famous fan spent the final years of his life – but his legacy will live on forever.
