Manchester United players mocked Red Devils fan Frank Ilett, who is continuing his viral hair challenge despite Michael Carrick’s side’s change in fortunes
12:07, 13 Feb 2026
Frank Ilett
View 3 Images
Frank Ilett, known as The United Strand, continues to grow his hair after Manchester United's draw against West Ham
Manchester United players have mocked wally Red Devils fan Frank Ilett after his hair stunt fail.
Frank, known as The United Strand, has gone viral over the past year and a half for refusing to cut his hair until the men’s team win five games in a row. A run that reached four consecutive victories for the first time since he started his challenge.
However, United rescued a late point against West Ham in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on Tuesday. Despite the result keeping Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run going and seeing United remain 4th – it wasn’t a victory that Frank was after nearly 500 days since his last visit to the barbers.
Benjamin Sesko earned Man Utd a late, late point at West Ham
View 3 Images
Benjamin Sesko earned Man Utd a late, late point at West Ham
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Meanwhile, the United women’s team didn’t have the same problem as Marc Skinner’s side made it six wins in a row after beating Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League.
During the victory, Elisabeth Terland and Maya Le Tissier took the opportunity to poke fun at Frank as they mimicked cutting their hair while celebrating a goal.
Frank watched the West Ham match on a live stream with his friends who sported afro wigs. Watching United fall behind, Frank celebrated Casemiro’s ruled out equaliser but the atmosphere became desperate in the room as the visitors chased a late goal.
Elisabeth Terland of Manchester United celebrates
View 3 Images
Elisabeth Terland and Maya Le Tissier poked fun at Frank Ilett
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Benjamin Sesko’s brilliant last-gasp equaliser failed to raise his spirits as he sat motionless reflecting on his challenge failing at the final hurdle in front of 180,000 watching on.
However, he attempted to look positively on the draw, saying: “The longer the better for the charity,” referring to The Little Princess Trust, who he will donate his hair. “I don't want this to be about me.”
Afterwards, he took to social media, saying: “Day 494 of not cutting my hair until Man Utd win five games in a row.
“From a fan point of view, make no mistake, this has still been a really positive run… I really thought this was the time.”
Frank has been accused of financially benefiting from United’s downfall, something which he denies. And has been criticised by United legends, including Wayne Rooney, for the stunt.
Article continues below
Despite having the perfect opportunity to end his challenge on a high and celebrate a return to form for United, Frank is set to continue his challenge and the exposure he receives from a stunt that puts the club he supports in a negative light and downplays the good work that Carrick's side have achieved.
Carrick and his players have been asked about the charade and it leaves the lingering black clouds of Ruben Amorim’s disastrous 14-month tenure still hovering over the club.