United Strand reaches 500 days without haircut after West Ham draw

Manchester United fan and social media influencer Frank Ilett, known as The United Strand, has reached 500 days without cutting his hair as part of a challenge to wait until United win five matches in a row. He had been poised to shave his curls last week, but a draw with West Ham stopped the run at four, with Tomas Soucek's goal denying him the chance to finally trim his locks.

The campaign began in October 2024 when Ilett launched his channel and vowed not to cut his hair until United achieved five consecutive victories. Along the way the club moved through three managers and a series of highs and lows, while his long hair drew growing attention and helped him amass thousands of followers, mainstream adverts and brand partnerships.

To mark the 500-day milestone, Ilett said on Instagram: "Not only is it day 500, but it's Chinese New Year, the year of the horse, and pancake day," as he pulled both a toy horse and a pancake from his hair.

England, Manchester

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