Manchester United are one win away from helping viral supporter Frank Illett get an overdue haircut after Michael Carrick's side beat Tottenham.
Michael Carrick and Frank Illett
Manchester United fan, Frank Ilett, is now one win away from getting a haircut after nearly 500 days
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The Manchester United fan who has spent nearly 500 days without a haircut until the club win five straight games is just one more victory away from receiving a long-awaited trim.
Frank Ilett, known as The United Strand online, has gone viral on social media after starting a challenge on October 5, 2024, when Erik ten Hag was in charge.
After Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim failed in reaching the particular milestone, Michael Carrick has led United to four straight wins after they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes scored, either side of half-time, to strengthen United's charge for a return to Champions League football. Carrick has managed wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and now Tottenham.
Next week, United take on strugglers West Ham, looking to make it five straight wins under Carrick, and doing so would in turn allow Ilett to cut his hair. "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.
"This time it's happening! Thank you so much to Carrick - thank you, thank you, thank you. There will be a watch-along for the fifth game against West Ham. Some exciting plans coming up - more details to come."
Illet's antics have done the rounds on social media since the win over Spurs and post-match, Fernandes was even asked about completing the challenge for him. "I need to book for myself, I don't look at other people," he said.
"I don't look if they need to go to the hairdresser or not, that is not important for me."
Carrick, who has earned plaudits for his turnaround of United's fortunes, was meanwhile full of praise for his team after they produced another statement win.
"The first goal is normally vital, to get ahead, but I think it's just encouraging the expression, the attacking play," Carrick said. "Not so much enjoyment where you can do what you want and it's a playground, kind of flicks and tricks, but more playing with a purpose and confidence.
"The connection with everyone has been as good as anything.
"The feeling, the emotion and connection with players, staff and fans - it feels good. We've had to win games in different ways. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to see the stadium this way, to look forward to the excitement.
"I'm pleased with the buy-in. We're in a good emotional place and that helps you. The four games we've had look different, we've not cracked it. I'm aware of that.
"We're just moving on to the next one and we're not settling for what we've got. Not taking things for granted is something we speak about a lot and the boys have been really good for that so far."