Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has responded to viral fan Frank Ilett – known as TheUnitedStrand – who vowed not to get a haircut until the Red Devils win five games in a row. After United’s back-to-back victories over Sunderland and Liverpool, the Portugal full-back playfully admitted the team hopes to “give him that haircut” with three more consecutive victories needed.
Man Utd fan's 'five-win challenge' nearing end?
Dalot has weighed in on the now-famous challenge taken up by long-time United supporter Ilett, who promised not to cut his hair until the Red Devils won five matches on the bounce. The fan’s pledge, made in October 2024, went viral as United continued to struggle for consistency under then-new manager Ruben Amorim. Before this week, the team had failed to string together even two league wins.
However, a recent upturn in form has reignited Ilett’s hopes of a long-overdue haircut. Amorim’s side followed up a 2-0 home victory over Sunderland before the international break with a dramatic 2-1 win away to Liverpool — their first back-to-back Premier League triumphs under the Portuguese boss. The result, sealed by a late Harry Maguire header, set social media buzzing with fans joking that Ilett might finally see the inside of a barber’s shop.
Following the win, United’s official TikTok account joined in the fun, replying to one of Ilett’s viral videos with the message: “We have an encouraging update.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDalot hopes Ilett gets haircut soon
Speaking to after the match, Dalot couldn’t hide his amusement when asked about Ilett’s unusual vow. “Let’s see! Hope we can give him that haircut!” the Portuguese full-back said with a smile.
Dalot then turned his focus to maintaining consistency after a mixed start to the season. “But we have to go game by game. Obviously, we know this is a very difficult league, we have tough games and, of course, we have to go after that consistency that we have lacked because we have already shown in the past that we can compete against any team in the world.”
The 25-year-old Portugal international added: “We get to the big games, we get to have good performances. Now it’s trying to make it happen every game. We now have the next game at home and that’s what’s important to us.” His comments struck a balance between humour and determination, underlining the squad’s desire to build on a promising run.
Ilett’s challenge invited abuse last month at Old Trafford
Ilett, a lifelong United supporter, first made headlines last year when he declared he would not get a haircut until the club won five games in a row. In January, Ilett nearly reached his goal when United won three in succession, only for a defeat to Crystal Palace to end the streak and with it, his hopes of a haircut. Despite that setback, he remained committed to the challenge, insisting it was meant to “spread positivity” among fans during difficult times. His lighthearted defiance even continued through an unfortunate altercation at Old Trafford last month when he was confronted by a fellow supporter during a Chelsea match – an incident he later described as “weird but isolated”.
Now, with United seemingly turning a corner under Amorim, Ilett’s patience could finally pay off. Their recent wins have revived optimism around Old Trafford, as players like Maguire and Dalot have stepped up amid renewed defensive stability and spirit. While a long way remains before five straight victories are achieved, Ilett’s growing hair has become a quirky rallying point for fans yearning for consistency — and perhaps even a new lucky charm for the team’s fortunes.
Instagram/XIlett wants a Man Utd player to give him the haircut:
The Red Devils host Brighton on Saturday, followed by tricky away fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur a week later. Three wins from those matches would extend their streak to five and fulfil Ilett’s promise over a year after it began. Ilett has already joked that “the perfect ending would be one of the players to cut it at Old Trafford”.
However, for Amorim and his players, the focus remains firmly on performances. After months of inconsistency, back-to-back victories have given supporters and players alike a sense of renewed purpose.
