Manchester United have the opportunity to win five successive matches but perhaps more importantly, for some at least, Frank Ilett, also known as The United Strand, may be allowed to cut his hair. Ilett posted a video on 5 October 2024 where he vowed not to cut his hair until United won five games in a row and now, 493 days later, he is one victory over relegation-threatened West Ham away from another. Over the last 493 days, the reach of the story has grown so much so that Ilett has garnered 2.3 million followers on social media, while Red Devils interim manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have even asked about it.
Barbers, ready your scissors. And perhaps plan to stay open a little later than usual tonight.
Today could be the day.
Manchester United have the opportunity to win five successive matches but perhaps more importantly, for some at least, Frank Ilett, also known as The United Strand, may be allowed to cut his hair.
Ilett posted a video on 5 October 2024 where he vowed not to cut his hair until United won five games in a row and now, 493 days later, he is one victory over relegation-threatened West Ham away from another.
Over the last 493 days, the reach of the story has grown so much so that Ilett has garnered 2.3 million followers on social media, while Red Devils interim manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have even asked about it.
"It certainly won't go into the team talk," Carrick said in Monday's news conference, but, haircut or not, winning his first five games in charge would mark a significant achievement.
BBC football data analyst Chris Collinson has dug into the last time United won five games in a row.
In all competitions, the last instance was between 28 January and 18 February 2024 - 723 days ago - under Erik ten Hag where they beat Newport in the FA Cup and won four league games in a row.
In the Premier League it was between 13 May and 14 August 2023 where they won the final four games of the 2022-23 season and their 2023-24 opener against Wolves.
In the Premier League in a single season it was even further back between 13 November 2022 and 14 January 2023 where their fifth win was a 2-1 derby win against Manchester City.
Ilett did not specify which competition the wins needed to come in for him to get his cut but, given United's early exit from both domestic cups and lack of European football, the milestone can only be reached through Premier League games anyway.
For most, regardless of the minutia, an end to this particular sideshow would be most welcome.
Category: General Sports
