Man named 'Mr Manchester United' passes away aged 62 as club release statement honouring fan

Reported by The Sun, Lavidzhov campaigned for a massive 15 years to have his name legally changed to Manchester United and eventually got his wish in 2014, when he became officially known as Manchester Zdravkov Levidzhov-United.

He reportedly made the decision to change his name while hungover, the day after the Red Devils’ 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final at Camp Nou. Stoppage-time goals by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer securing arguably the most famous victory in Manchester United history. If there was ever a night to inspire a superfan to change their name legally to honour the Red Devils, it was that night – and so it proved.

His fight to make the name change a reality was documented in a 2011 Bulgarian film named My Mate Manchester United. This was more than a hungover decision by Lavidzhov, it became his life’s purpose – and he celebrated by having the club’s badge inked in the centre of his forehead. His dream of visiting Old Trafford was made true with the help of The Sun in that very same year.

A Manchester United club spokesman said following his passing: "We are very sorry to hear this news and send our condolences to his family and friends."

Mr United, as he was legally known, was given the chance to have a private tour of the Theatre of Dreams in 2014 and wept when he stepped into the players’ changing room and then onto the Old Trafford pitch. He was then taken to the Stadium of Light to watch the Red Devils in Premier League action, though they drew 1-1 on the day. He had travelled over 4,000 miles in order to have the tour.

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 Manchester United’s story goes even further. He named his cat after his favourite player of all time, David Beckham, as the Red Devils were the centre-point of his life in many aspects.

At his home in Bulgaria, pieces of United memorabilia were to be seen all around. This included posters, jerseys and banners of his favourite players such as his fellow Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov. It was no doubt a proud moment for Mr United when classy striker Berbatov joined the Red Devils in 2008, going on to win two Premier League titles amongst countless other honours in four seasons with the club. He enjoyed a great career before eventually retiring in 2019.

Mr United made an emotional return to Manchester in 2017, where he was given the opportunity to visit and meet the players in what was another highlight of his storied legacy as a United super-fan.

Not much is known about how the famous Red Devils fan spent the last years of his life, but the outpouring of support following his passing reflects the impact which his story has had on many people around the world. His legacy will undoubtedly live on for many years to come.

While Mr United’s story is certainly a unique one, he reflects the pure and true impact which football can have on fans all around the world. The beautiful game is a global one, particularly when it comes to the Premier League and its worldwide appeal in recent years.

Local supporters can often complain about the reduced number of tickets available and increased prices due to ‘tourist’ fans coming from abroad, but it is those foreign supporters who create the wonderful stories such as that of the previously named Lavidzhov. He was as true a United fan as any, and gave a commitment to the club that only he could have dreamt of. His legacy at the club will live on and continue to inspire.