Michael Carrick Reveals True Feelings on Man Utd Fan Refusing to Cut His Hair

Michael Carrick has given his take on Manchester United fan Frank Ilett and his voluntary haircut ban ahead of Tuesday evening's crucial Premier League clash against West Ham.

Ilett has become somewhat of a viral sensation over the past year or so.

The life-long United fan, 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.

It was a brave challenge given the state of affairs at Old Trafford. "It's been an absolutely crazy journey," he told the BBC. "I never expected my hair, or my following, to be as big as it has become."

Before the arrival of interim manager Michael Carrick, the closest United had come to that record was in October 2025, when they recorded three wins on the trot under Ruben Amorim.

But following wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, United have extended their win streak to four in a row, meaning Ilett is just one game away from getting his mop chopped.

So, what does Carrick think of Ilett and his self-inflicted haircut ban?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Monday, he was asked if he was aware of the "young Manchester United fan" who will finally cut his hair if United beat West Ham on Tuesday night.

"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."

The match against West Ham will mark 493 days since Ilett's last haircut.

Frank Ilett breaks silence on being one game away from finally getting haircut

Speaking after United's convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday, Ilett thanked Carrick for turning around United's fortunes.

“Carrick is at the wheel, this hair is going soon, West Ham next, four out of five done – this is the first time it’s been four in a row since I started the challenge," he said on the United Strand page.

“This time it’s happening. Thank you so much to Carrick – thank you, thank you, thank you."

He added: “There will be a watchalong for the fifth game against West Ham. Some exciting plans coming up – more details to come.”