Haaland trolls Manchester United fan over viral “United Strand” hair challenge

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has delivered a cheeky four-word putdown to a long-suffering Manchester United supporter, sparking fresh banter in the Manchester derby rivalry.

The Norwegian forward replied “Cut your hair man” under a post about Frank Ilett — better known online as The United Strand whose viral pledge not to cut his hair until United win five consecutive games has now stretched to 717 days.

Man United haven’t won five games in a row for 717 days and fans think Haaland waited until City hit five straight wins before getting his haircut.

Ilett launched the stunt on 5 October 2024, shaving his head one final time and vowing not to visit a barber again until the Red Devils strung together five successive victories in all competitions.

What began as light-hearted fan content has become a prolonged social-media phenomenon, tracking United’s inconsistency across multiple managerial changes.

The wait has included a near-miss in February 2026, when United won four in a row before drawing with West Ham and resetting the streak.

Ilett has used the challenge to raise money for charity, including plans to donate the eventual hair to the Little Princess Trust.

Haaland himself recently refreshed his look. After cutting off his trademark long blond hair in August 2026 ahead of the new season, he posted on 21 September about another trim: “Got my first haircut since the haircut!”

Fans quickly linked the timing to City’s strong run of form and United’s ongoing struggles.