Manchester United’s struggles on the pitch have left fans frustrated, but for one supporter, the club’s poor form has led to an unusual and unintentional transformation. Frank Ilett, known as The United Strand on Instagram, started a unique challenge back in October, vowing not to cut his hair until United won five consecutive matches in all competitions.
At the time, Erik ten Hag’s team was enduring a disastrous run of results, and Ilett’s challenge seemed like a fun yet painful way to endure the misery. However, just weeks later, Ten Hag was sacked, and Ruben Amorim took over, only to continue the inconsistency that has defined United’s season. As a result, Ilett’s hair has grown longer than he ever imagined.
For a brief moment, it looked like his wait might end. United strung together three straight wins against Rangers, Fulham, and FCSB in January, bringing Ilett tantalizingly close to his long-awaited trim. But the team’s form collapsed again, with three defeats in their last six games, including an FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham.
Now sporting a noticeably longer hairstyle, Ilett has kept his followers updated on his challenge, gaining over 66,000 Instagram followers in the process. After United’s latest loss, he shared his frustration: “Day 149 of not cutting my hair until Manchester United win five games in a row… Back to zero again.”
Many of his fans have suggested he change the rules, with one joking, “Wouldn’t it be easier if this keeps going until United lose five in a row?” Others have urged him to abandon the challenge altogether, but Ilett remains committed. When asked if he would carry this into the next season, he confirmed: “I keep going until it’s done!”
United’s last five-game winning streak came between late January and mid-February, featuring wins over Newport, Wolves, West Ham, Aston Villa, and Luton. Since then, the club has failed to string together consecutive victories, leaving Ilett stuck in his challenge.
With upcoming fixtures against Real Sociedad in the Europa League and a crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal, Ilett will be hoping Amorim’s men can finally give him a reason to visit the barber. However, recent performances suggest he might be in for an even longer wait.
Meanwhile, Amorim has dismissed criticism from Wayne Rooney, who called him “naïve” for believing he could one day lead United to the Premier League title. The manager admitted that winning the league is the club’s long-term goal but acknowledged that it won’t happen anytime soon. Whether Amorim stays long enough to see that ambition through remains to be seen—but for now, Ilett’s hair will continue to grow.