How far can a football fan go for their favourite team? For some, it means travelling across countries. For others, it means standing through an entire match. For Manchester United supporter Frank Ilett, it has meant not cutting his hair for more than a year.
On October 5, 2024, Ilett announced that he would not cut his hair until Manchester United won five consecutive matches. At the time, the club was going through a difficult phase. Many were surprised that he chose such a challenge during one of the team’s lean periods. The results did not improve, and his hair remained uncut.
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Frank Ilett’s 493-day vow over Manchester United form
493 days have passed from the day he made the pledge until United’s recent 1-1 draw against West Ham. During this period, Manchester United failed to register five consecutive wins.
Frank Ilett is devasted seeing Manchester United loosing to West Ham United pic.twitter.com/cQbxpJJid8
— Uncle Billy (@BillyTheOG) February 10, 2026
There was renewed hope recently. After victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, fans believed the fifth win might finally come against West Ham. Ilett, too, was expecting that a win would allow him to end his long-running vow. However, the draw meant the wait continues.
Manchester United five match winning streak history
Ilett has said there was a larger purpose behind his decision. He wanted to bring some humour and positivity to fellow supporters during a tough time for the club. In an interview with the BBC, he said that he had initially thought he would go three to four months without cutting his hair, but it has now stretched far longer than he had expected.
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Supporters have also pointed to history. In 1999, Manchester United reportedly went 902 consecutive days without winning five matches in a row. The current run has now stretched to around 490 days, keeping Ilett’s unusual pledge intact for the time being.
