On the Cusp of a Crop: United’s Winning Streak Puts Frank’s 500-Day Fro at Risk
For most football fans, a winning streak means bragging rights. For Manchester United super-fan Frank Ilett, it means he might finally be able to see his forehead again.
Ilett, the creator of the viral social media account The United Strand, has become a cult hero (and a cautionary tale) after pledging back on October 5, 2024, that he would not cut a single lock of hair until the Red Devils won five consecutive matches in all competitions.
As of early February 2026, Frank has spent nearly 500 days without a barber’s touch. His hair, which has outlasted the tenures of multiple managers, has grown from a tidy trim into a massive, iconic afro. But after a dominant 2-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, the wait is almost over.
Day 490 of not cutting my hair until @manutd win 5 games in a row! 🤩
— TheUnitedStrand (@TheUnitedStrand) February 7, 2026
Current Streak – 3/5#manunited #hairgrowth #mufc #hairchallenge #carrick pic.twitter.com/oEeU9wGUTv
The Road to Five: “Carrickball” Saves the Day
Under interim boss Michael Carrick, United are suddenly the form team of the Premier League. The win against Spurs marked their fourth consecutive victory, a feat the club hasn’t achieved with such consistency in years.
The “Haircut” Winning Streak:
| Game | Opponent | Result | Key Performer |
| 1 | Manchester City | 2-0 Win | Casemiro |
| 2 | Arsenal | 3-2 Win | Benjamin Šeško |
| 3 | Fulham | 3-2 Win | Matheus Cunha |
| 4 | Tottenham | 2-0 Win | Casemiro |
Data Breakdown: The Odds of a Trim
The final hurdle stands between Frank and the barbershop: an away trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.
Historically, United have struggled with consistency at the London Stadium, but the current momentum has shifted the probability. Analysts are keeping a close eye on this “follicle finale.”
The Probabilities for West Ham vs. Man Utd:
- Manchester United Win (The Trim): 52%
- Draw (The Hair Stays): 24%
- West Ham Win (The Hair Stays): 24%
“Four out of five games done… this is the first time it’s happened since I started the challenge. This time it’s happening,” Ilett shared with his followers.
The players are reportedly aware of the challenge, with stars like Diogo Dalot previously mentioning they hope to be the ones to finally see Frank get that haircut. On Tuesday night, the scissors will be waiting. If they secure the three points, Frank plans to donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children undergoing cancer treatment.
