The United Strand Tells Everyone How He'll Cut His Hair if Man Utd Beat West Ham

The viral fan who is refusing to cut his hair until Manchester United win five games in a row has revealed what hairstyle he will go for if Michael Carrick's side secure victory this evening.

After almost 500 days of waiting, Frank Ilett could finally get his wish on Tuesday night, when United travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham.

Ilett, who is originally from Oxford but now lives in Spain, promised on the afternoon of October 5, 2024, that he would only cut his hair when the Reds recorded five victories on the bounce.

More than a year later and following wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, United have extended their win streak to four in a row.

Ilett has been one of the big talking points coming into Tuesday's game against West Ham. In fact, interim manager Michael Carrick was asked about the fan in his pre-match press conference.

"I can say I'm aware of it, yeah. My kids have made me aware of it, if anything, but it certainly won't go into the team talk from a professional level," said Carrick.

"I can understand what's going on with it, and it does make me smile, but it won't have an impact ultimately in the end."

Carrick has won all four games in charge of United. Image credit: Getty

Speaking ahead of the game, Ilett spoke about United's recent run as he praised Carrick's impact since succeeding Ruben Amorim. "It's been amazing since he (Carrick) first came in," he told Sky Sports.

"I’m glad as well that it’s not been like five easy teams either. We had to beat City and Arsenal and even Spurs and Fulham," added the fan, who is affectionately known as The United Strand on social media. "They can be tough to beat on their days."

Asked what hairstyle he will go for at the barbers if United do win, Ilett confirmed he will keep it simple.

When the reporter suggested a classic 'short back and sides', the 29-year-old replied: "Something like that, I think. I mean, to start with, it needs to be kind of cut off in bunches. But then, yeah, I think probably buzz cut all over and start again, start fresh."

Bruno Fernandes was asked about Frank Ilett and his haircut challenge after United's win over Tottenham

Speaking in the aftermath of United's 2-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, Fernandes was asked about Ilett and his lengthy locks.

“I need to book for myself, I don’t look at other people," Fernandes replied. "I don't look if they need to go to the hair dresser or not, that is not important for me.”

Bruno Fernandes responded to a question about Frank Ilett following United's win over Spurs. Image credit: Getty

It appears the haircut challenge has been the talk of United's dressing room, with players being 'well aware' of the fan.

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “The players are really enjoying their recent upturn in fortune and the vibe at the training ground is very positive.

“They are well aware of Frank because he pops up on their social media. Some of them were having a laugh and a joke and said: ‘Come on, let’s give this guy a haircut’.”