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Manchester United fan Frank Ilett promised back in October 2024 that he wouldn’t buzz his hair until the team won five games in a row.
It started as a bit of light-hearted fun, and, to be fair, the fanbase needed something to smile about at the time. United were stuttering under Ruben Amorim, struggling for rhythm, and morale wasn’t exactly sky-high.
But here we are nearly 500 days later, and what began as a harmless joke has turned into a social media spectacle that, frankly, overshadows what actually matters.
Wayne Rooney hit the nail on the head when he said it’s “doing my head in.” That wasn’t bitterness. That was the reaction of someone who genuinely cares about Manchester United. When he pointed out that conversations about Carrick trying to secure a fifth straight win were being drowned out by talk of someone’s haircut, he exposed a bigger issue: priorities.
Michael Carrick, stepping in as interim boss, deserves serious credit. He steadied the ship after Amorim’s departure and guided United through impressive wins over Arsenal, Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham. That’s not easy. Those are statement victories.
And yet, when United were pushing for that fifth win against West Ham, it became all about a guy who needed a haircut if United won.
It may have put pressure on the team
West Ham are fighting relegation, but Frank Ilett, the hair-cut guy, is an extra motivation for them not to lose the game. I think this put more pressure on the Manchester United players to win the game.
Everyone, including clubs, was tweeting about this, saying Manchester United should win so the lad can get a haircut, after nearly 500 days of waiting. Wayne Rooney is absolutely right when he said the guy would be devastated if United wins because he would become irrelevant, and this is common sense.
“I’d put him to the other side of the country. He’s doing my head in, Wayne Rooney said.
“We’re talking about Michael Carrick and Man United trying to win their fifth game in a row, and the whole thing is about to get this guy getting his haircut.
“I bet he’d be devastated if Man Utd win the fifth game because all of a sudden he’s irrelevant.”
Wayne Rooney is absolutely right to be frustrated — and honestly, I’m with him on this one.
It’s unfortunate the game ended in a 1-1 draw, but any Manchester United would take that despite the fact that everyone wanted a win. Not losing the game is very important. United are currently fourth in the Premier League table, still very much in the Champions League race. They sit just two points behind Aston Villa and five behind Manchester City. That’s a serious battle. Every result matters.
Speaking after the draw, United boss Carrick admits he knows his side can compete better, but is pleased with their fight for a draw. He told TNT Sports: “We were OK. I think we were a bit disappointing. We definitely weren’t at our best.
“It’s the times when you’re not totally at your best when you can find a way, keep a clean sheet, and move on. So we’re a little bit frustrated with that. We’ve had five games now, and we’ve been at a really good level. It’s a tough place to come, and they made it difficult.
“We just didn’t quite have that sharpness or spark to find the answers. In the end, big credit to the boys for the spirit again and the late goal when we needed it. It’s a great quality to have. We’ll take the point and move on.”
Manchester United will have about 10 days’ rest to prepare for the next game against Everton, and that would be very important for Michael Carrick and the boys.