A video circulating online shows Ilett being grabbed by the hair and having his head pushed down while in the stands at Old Trafford. The attacker was reportedly unhappy with Ilett's decision to grow his hair until Man Utd achieved five consecutive wins.
"Get out, get out, I'll do what I want," the attacker said. "Listen, he's not a Man Utd fan."
The attacker then tried to approach Ilett again, but was unsuccessful.
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The attacker grabs Ilett's hair and pushes his head down during the Man Utd - Chelsea match in the fifth round of the Premier League on 20/9. Photo: X |
The attacker grabs Ilett's hair and pushes his head down during the Man Utd - Chelsea match in the fifth round of the Premier League on 20/9. Photo: X
Ilett, known on social media as The United Strand, began his hair-growing challenge in October 2024, vowing not to cut it until Man Utd won five matches in a row. However, over the past 351 days, the Red Devils' best run has been a three-game winning streak in January. Ilett's hair now resembles a large bird's nest, earning him online fame and around 364,000 followers.
Despite the assault, Ilett remained cheerful after the 2-1 victory against Chelsea. "Wet hair, but still happy. Today, Man Utd had a great win and a crazy match. The first step is complete. Four more to go. Go Man Utd," he said.
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Ilett proudly displays his hair after nearly a year of waiting for Man Utd to win five consecutive matches. Photo: X |
Ilett proudly displays his hair after nearly a year of waiting for Man Utd to win five consecutive matches. Photo: X
Ilett previously admitted the challenge lasted longer than anticipated, and he didn't expect his hair or follower count to grow so much. He had hoped to cut his hair in November or December 2025.
Man Utd's next four matches include away games against Brentford and Liverpool, interspersed with home fixtures against Sunderland and Brighton. The Red Devils are currently 11th in the Premier League with seven points after five rounds. They lost 0-1 to Arsenal in their opening match, drew 1-1 with Fulham, beat Burnley 3-2, lost 0-3 to Man City, and then triumphed 2-1 over Chelsea.
Thanh Quy (X, Daily Mail)
