Sports
‘I didn’t expect it to be so difficult’ – ManUnited Fan now regrets viral bet not to cut his hair until club wins 5 games in a row
For many Manchester United fans, recent performances have been frustrating enough to make them want to tear their hair out. But for Red Devils supporter Frank Ilett, that’s not an option—because of a bold pledge he made nearly a year ago.
Ilett, who lives in Spain, vowed not to cut his hair until Manchester United won five competitive games in a row. What began as a lighthearted challenge in October has turned into a nearly year-long ordeal. It’s been 324 days since his last haircut, and his once neat buzzcut has transformed into a wild mane, which he often showcases on his TikTok channel “theunitedstrand.”
“I thought it would just be a bit of fun for a few months,” Ilett said. “I didn’t expect it to be so difficult. Looking back, maybe I was too optimistic.”
At first, he considered setting the bar at three straight wins but raised it to five for what he thought would be a more interesting challenge. Unfortunately, United’s inconsistent form has kept him waiting. A run that could have ended his bet early this year slipped away, and results since then—including a shocking League Cup defeat to fourth-division Grimsby Town—have only prolonged his hairy situation.
Ilett’s growing hair has become symbolic of the club’s decline. Once the most dominant team in England with 13 Premier League titles, United has struggled under new manager Ruben Amorim. The team failed to qualify for European competition this season and currently sits far from its former glory.
Despite the frustrations, Ilett remains committed to his challenge. He admits the biggest struggle is coping with the heat under his now heavy locks, but he won’t visit the barber until United hits the magic five.
Looking at the fixture list, he hopes for a possible winning streak later this year against teams like Everton, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Wolves, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa. But given United’s own poor form—finishing 15th last season—he’s not overly confident.
Still, he dreams of being in the stands for the decisive fifth victory, comparing it to his own “mini-Champions League final.”
Until then, the wait continues, and Ilett’s hair keeps growing—possibly even turning gray from the stress of watching Manchester United.
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