The wait continues for Frank Ilett. The Manchester United fan who decided to let his hair grow until the Red Devils win five consecutive games will have to keep up his unique challenge following the 2-0 loss to Hull City. Ilett, who shares updates on his hair’s progress on Instagram under the name The United Strand, showed off his hair 686 days after starting the challenge, just before Manchester United’s Premier League debut against the Tigers at MKM Stadium.
A disappointing start to the season
However, the team led by Michael Carrick was unable to fulfill the first part of the challenge. Hull City, in its return to the top flight after 10 seasons, prevailed with goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy. The loss took Ilett by surprise, as he had considered the match one of the easiest opportunities for Manchester United to kick off their quest for five straight wins with a victory.
“This was supposed to be one of the easiest games of the season. Not only are they one of the newly promoted teams, but they also finished lowest in the Championship among the promoted teams,” he reflected on social media after the match.
What’s next for United?
With this result, Ilett’s haircut will have to wait. The most optimistic scenario points to September 20, provided Manchester United manages to defeat Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City, Fulham, and their first opponent in the Champions League group stage in consecutive matches.
If the Red Devils fail to string together those five wins, The United Strand will have to extend his wait even further. The fan is on track to surpass two years of uninterrupted hair growth and may have to wait until after the next FIFA international break, which runs from September 21 to October 6.