Bald vs. Bushy - for a better Manchester United
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 22.09.25. | 16:14
Remember the man growing his hair until Manchester United win five games in a row? The absurdity continues — he was attacked by a BALD man who tried to yank his hair!
Manchester United supporter Frank Ilett, who gained viral fame for vowing not to cut his hair until the Red Devils string together five consecutive wins, was confronted by another fan during Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.
Known online as The United Strand, Ilett launched the unusual challenge last October to “spread some humour” during a tough spell for the club.
The stunt has brought him considerable attention, with 364,000 followers on Instagram. On his page, he posts daily updates on his growing hair—which has now formed a substantial afro—and shares commentary on other United-related news.
Ilett has now been in the challenge for 351 days, though the club’s longest winning streak during that time was just three consecutive matches in January.
While his lighthearted initiative has generally been met with amusement, events took a darker turn at Old Trafford on Saturday, where United secured a 2-1 win over Chelsea. In the stadium concourse, another supporter reportedly approached Ilett, grabbed his hair, and attempted to push him to the ground.
The United fan growing his hair out until United win 5 games in a row was grabbed by another United fan yesterday at the game…
— george (@StokeyyG2) September 21, 2025
What a strange strange man. pic.twitter.com/unhvSK5iQp
Though Ilett was pulled away and visibly shocked, he managed to create some distance from the aggressor, who was restrained by those nearby.
The enraged fan, seemingly upset by Ilett’s challenge, shouted:
“F* off, f*** off, I’ll do what I fing want. Listen, he’s not a United fing fan, so f*** off, f*** off.”
A video of the altercation quickly circulated on social media, showing the aggressor attempting to reach Ilett again, but failing.
Nearly a year ago, Frank Illet announced that he would not get a haircut until his beloved Manchester United won five games in a row.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 14, 2025
344 days later, and he is still waiting, and his hair is still growing.
But just how unlikely is such a run, and which clubs/managers guarantee… pic.twitter.com/WdFhILHIHW
Despite the incident, Ilett appeared unfazed in the aftermath. Posting to Instagram after the victory, he shared a photo from the stands with the caption:
“What a place. Wet hair, but still a smile on my face! A big win today! What a crazy game it was in the end! 1 down, 4 to go. COME ON UNITED!”
