Man United fan haircut challenge: Viral supporter Frank Illet could end long wait vs. West Ham

Manchester United’s assured 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend made it four wins out of four under Michael Carrick.

United are fourth in the Premier League, five points better off than Liverpool in sixth. With just 13 games to focus on and no distractions from other competitions, the Red Devils look very well-placed in the fight for Champions League qualification.

However, there is a more unusual talking point heading into Tuesday’s trip to face relegation-threatened West Ham: that of a viral internet sensation that was even raised during Carrick’s pre-match news conference.

“I can say I’m aware of it, my kids have made me aware of it, if anything,” said the United boss.

“It certainly won’t go into the team talk from a professional level. But I can understand what’s going on with it. It does make me smile.”

MORE: Fernandes and Carrick warmth thaws the Amorim cold for Man United

Who is the Man United fan behind viral haircut challenge?

Manchester United supporter Frank Ilett has become a social media sensation since he pledged not to have a haircut until United register five consecutive wins.

This is something the Red Devils were unable to manage for the duration of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, during which time Ilett’s unusual challenge gained traction.

Across his @TheUnitedStrand accounts, Ilett has amassed more than two million followers.

How long has it been since Frank Illet cut his hair?

According to Illet’s social media bios, his last haircut was on October 5, 2024, two days after United’s 3-3 Europa League draw against Porto and one prior to a 0-0 stalemate at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Later that month, after a 2-1 defeat at West Ham, the notably bald Erik ten Hag was sacked as manager.

When United return to the London Stadium in search of the clipper-prompting fifth straight win, it will be 493 days since Illet’s last haircut.

How close have Man United been to five straight wins?

United’s current run of four consecutive wins is their longest since Illet’s challenge began, meaning the West Ham match will be the first championship game in this folicly focused context.

Amorim twice got as far as three wins in a row. In January 2025, Europa League triumphs over Rangers and FCSB sandwiched a 1-0 Premier League win at Fulham. A 2-0 reverse at Crystal Palace on February 2 ended this run.

In October last year, United beat Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League — a run that now stands as Amorim’s final false dawn at Old Trafford — before being held to a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest.