By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Manchester United supporter Frank Ilett has dismissed claims that he has made millions from his viral hair challenge, which has coincided with the club’s poor run of form over the past 16 months.
Ilett first gained widespread attention on social media after pledging not to cut his hair until Manchester United won five consecutive matches. Since then, his challenge has turned him into an online personality, widely known as “The United Strand.”
Now approaching 500 days without a haircut, Ilett could finally end his wait on Tuesday night should United secure victory against West Ham United in the Premier League.
While many fans have found his stunt humorous, critics have suggested that he has financially benefited from United’s struggles — an accusation he firmly rejects.
Addressing speculation about his earnings, Ilett told The Sun:
> “I’m definitely not the millionaire that some people think I am. There’s been a lot of talk about making millions, but that isn’t the case.
It’s not as well paid as some people think. But that’s not why I started it in the first place.”
His distinctive long hair has led to commercial opportunities, including collaborations with betting company Paddy Power and the launch of his own e-commerce business.
More recently, he has partnered with Argos, which has agreed to provide him with professional hair-cutting equipment if United defeat West Ham, allowing him to finally trim his hair.
Originally from Oxford but now residing in Spain, Ilett has confirmed that he will live-stream the match from the London Stadium. If United win, he plans to donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust, a UK charity that provides wigs to children who have lost their hair due to illness.
Speaking about his charitable efforts, Ilett added:
“I’m also doing a fundraiser for them. I think we’ve raised about £6,000 for them so far. It’s a really great charity, with great people there too.”
“The length of my hair is 25cm now, which is thankfully long enough to be able to donate.”
Since beginning his challenge on October 5, 2024, Ilett has amassed more than 1.5 million followers across social media platforms, though not everyone in football has paid close attention to his experiment.
Asked about the phenomenon, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said:
“I can say I’m aware of it, yeah. My kids have made me aware of it, if anything.”
“It certainly won’t go into the team talk, from a professional level. I can understand what’s going on with it and it does make me smile, but it won’t have an impact ultimately in the end.”
His stance was echoed by club captain Bruno Fernandes, who remarked after United’s 2–0 win over Tottenham:
“I need to focus on myself; I don’t look at other people.
I don’t look if they need to go to the hairdresser or not — that is not important for me.”
