A quiet buzz is building in Manchester’s barber shops. Scissors are being sharpened and razors charged, as Wednesday could bring a prominent visitor: Frank Ilett, a devoted Manchester United fan, hasn’t had a haircut in 493 days and has become a social media sensation with over 1.2 million Instagram followers thanks to his impressive hairstyle. A victory over West Ham could finally see his afro trimmed.
The potential haircut is a direct result of a bet Ilett made in early October 2024: he vowed to abstain from haircuts until Manchester United achieved five consecutive wins. For months, the streak remained elusive, with four different managers taking the helm at Old Trafford without securing the necessary run of form. Then came Michael Carrick, and a potential turning point for both Ilett and the club.
Carrick’s arrival has coincided with a remarkable upturn in United’s fortunes. In his first four matches in charge, the Red Devils secured four victories. Tuesday’s away match against West Ham offers the opportunity to complete the quintet. Carrick himself acknowledged the unusual stakes, stating, “My kids pointed that out to me,” during a pre-match press conference, as reported by roundtable.io. However, he downplayed its significance, adding, “It makes me smile, but ultimately it won’t have any bearing.”
The transformation under Carrick has been swift and significant. He has revitalized a team that, just weeks ago, appeared erratic and inconsistent, turning them into genuine contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Remarkably, he has achieved this without major personnel changes, inheriting the same squad that struggled under his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, who managed only 23 wins in 58 games – a win rate of just under 40 percent.
What distinguishes Carrick’s approach? Luke Shaw, a veteran of twelve years at Manchester United and having played under nine different managers, believes he has the answer. “He understands the club, and that’s the most important thing for me,” Shaw told Talksport. Carrick, according to Shaw, understands “what it takes to win football matches” and “develop everyone happy.”
Shaw emphasized the renewed sense of enjoyment within the squad. “Of course, everyone feels better when they win football games, and the confidence is really high at the moment. I perceive everyone is really enjoying their football at the moment.” This positivity extends beyond the starting eleven. “When we score a goal, it’s not just the players on the pitch celebrating. The players on the bench are running around and celebrating with them. I think that shows real togetherness.”
Carrick has fostered a stronger sense of unity, with Shaw noting, “When we all stick together like that, it creates a really strong bond, and we go onto the pitch and fight for each other, and everyone really holds each other accountable. That obviously helps.”
While Carrick’s impact is undeniable, some of United’s recent successes have been aided by good fortune. Late goals secured narrow victories against Arsenal and Fulham, while an early red card for Tottenham made their 2-0 win more straightforward. This current winning formula evokes memories of the successful era under Sir Alex Ferguson, when the mere presence of the manager was enough to intimidate opponents.
However, even Ferguson understood the fickle nature of football. The club’s history includes both dramatic triumphs, like the 1999 Champions League final, and agonizing defeats, such as the last-minute loss to Manchester City in the 2012 title race.
Frank Ilett may be wise to hold off on scheduling that haircut. West Ham, despite their struggles against relegation, have shown recent improvement, winning three of their last four matches. Carrick and his team must deliver another strong performance to fulfill their part of the bargain and finally allow Ilett to visit the barber.
