EPL: Manchester United draw extends fan’s 500-day haircut vow

Manchester United supporter Frank Illett was left disappointed on Tuesday night after his long-running haircut vow remained unfulfilled following United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United.

Illett, a well-known fan on social media, has pledged not to cut his hair until Manchester United win five consecutive matches.

The draw at the London Stadium halted that run at four victories, extending his wait to more than 500 days.

Haircut promise on hold again

United went into the match having won four games in a row under interim manager Michael Carrick, raising expectations among supporters.

Illett, who has grown a distinctive and oversized afro during the wait, prepared clippers during a live watch-along streamed to an audience of more than 150,000 viewers.

However, West Ham took the lead shortly after the break when Tomas Soucek scored in the 50th minute, dampening the mood among United fans and leaving Illett visibly deflated.

VAR decision compounds frustration

United believed they had equalised through Casemiro, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. The decision further reduced hopes that the run of wins, and Illett’s pledge, would finally come to an end.

There was renewed optimism late in the game when Benjamin Sesko scored for United in stoppage time to level the contest.

The goal ensured United avoided defeat, but it was not enough to trigger Illett’s long-awaited haircut.

Another near miss for United fan

At full-time, Illett was seen with his head in his hands as West Ham held on for a draw, meaning United failed to secure the five straight wins required.

The result leaves his unusual personal challenge unresolved, with his haircut now delayed indefinitely.