Manchester United's women's team have delivered a playful jab at a long-suffering fan during their recent Champions League victory, highlighting the stark contrast between the men's and women's squads' current form. In a 3-0 win against Atletico Madrid, players Elisabeth Terland and Maya Le Tissier celebrated a goal by pretending to chop off their ponytails, directly mocking supporter Frank Ilett's viral haircut pledge.
The United Strand Challenge
Frank Ilett, known as "The United Strand" on social media, made a vow in October 2024 that he would not cut his hair until Manchester United's men's team won five consecutive games. What began as a lighthearted stunt has now stretched to nearly 500 days, with Ilett's hair growing to comically overgrown proportions. His daily video updates have amassed millions of views, turning him into an internet sensation among football fans.
Women's Team Success Versus Men's Struggles
While Ilett's challenge specifically targets the men's team, United's women's squad has been enjoying remarkable success. They have now secured six consecutive victories across all competitions, including wins against Burnley in the FA Cup, Arsenal in the League Cup, and league triumphs over Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Leicester. Their latest victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League play-off puts them in a commanding position ahead of the return leg next week.
The men's team, meanwhile, has experienced managerial changes under Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, and currently Michael Carrick during Ilett's challenge. Under Carrick's leadership, they recently won four straight games against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur, setting up a potential fifth consecutive victory against West Ham on Tuesday. However, a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium, featuring a dramatic 96th-minute equalizer from Benjamin Sesko, dashed those hopes and extended Ilett's hairy ordeal.
Celebration with Purpose
After Terland scored the opening goal in the third minute against Atletico Madrid, she and captain Le Tissier held up their ponytails and mimicked cutting them off. Le Tissier further emphasized the joke by posting a scissors emoji on her Instagram account. This celebration not only highlighted the women's team's current winning streak but also brought attention to Ilett's charitable intentions.
Ilett had planned to donate his hair to The Princess Trust, a charity that provides wigs to young cancer patients experiencing hair loss due to treatment. His challenge has therefore carried a meaningful purpose beyond football banter, adding emotional weight to his prolonged wait.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United's women's team now prepares to host the London City Lionesses on Sunday, aiming to extend their impressive run. For Frank Ilett, the dream of finally cutting his hair remains on hold, though the women's team's celebration ensures his story continues to capture the imagination of football fans worldwide. The contrast between the two squads' fortunes serves as a compelling narrative in modern football, blending sport, social media, and charity in unexpected ways.
