Instagram: The United StrandA Manchester United supporter has gone viral after vowing not to cut his hair until the team manages five consecutive wins.
Frank Ilett, who lives in Spain, began the challenge back in October 2024. Since then, United have only managed two victories in a row, leaving him with hair that continues to grow as the wait drags on.
Ilett has been documenting the journey through his Instagram page The United Strand. To cope with the heat and length, he has turned to headbands and creative styling as the months have gone by.
“Back in October, I started the challenge of not cutting my hair until Man United win five games in a row,” he told CNN during an interview in September. “I thought it would just be a bit of fun for a few months and, obviously, it’s gone on for a lot longer than expected!”
Fan’s hair continues to grow
The longest run of wins under his challenge has stalled at two, meaning his hair has not been cut for nearly a year. What began as a lighthearted bet has become a test of patience as well as loyalty.
The fan also revealed to CNN that he almost made the bet for three wins in a row, but thought it was “too easy.”
“I almost went for three in a row and, you know, me being me at the time, feeling optimistic, I went, ‘Three’s too easy, isn’t it?’ So, I thought, I’ve got to make it a bit more of a challenge otherwise people won’t be interested,” he said. “Looking back on it now, maybe that was a bit too optimistic.”
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He has also linked the effort to a charitable cause. When the streak eventually arrives and he can finally get a trim, Ilett plans to donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children who have lost their hair.
Frank is also raising money along the way, with his current fundraiser going to The Little Princess Trust. Previously, he had raised hundreds of dollars for Mind UK, a mental health charity.