A Manchester United supporter who went viral for refusing to cut his hair until the team wins five matches in a row was assaulted during United’s clash with Chelsea on September 20.
The fan, known online as theunitedstrand, has documented his year-long challenge across Instagram, where he has attracted thousands of followers watching his hair grow as the streak continues. He began the bet in October 2024, and despite United’s ups and downs, the longest run of wins so far has only reached two in a row.
However, his latest viral video wasn’t an update regarding his hair growth. A clip of theunitedstrand being attacked by another United fan has circulated social media, with the two being pulled apart before things got too ugly.
theunitedstrand at the Man United game against Chelsea on September 20.theunitedstrand addresses attack at Chelsea game
On September 23, theunitedstrand posted a video responding to the altercation. He said at first he thought the man was “just having a laugh,” but realized it was serious when his hair was yanked and he was called “attention seeking.” He thanked nearby fans for stepping in and said he was focusing on the “hundreds of positive interactions” from the day.
He stressed that the challenge was never about criticizing United, but about adding humor during a difficult spell for supporters. When he began in October 2024, he believed five wins in a row was realistic, noting United had done it earlier that year. He admitted he only expected the challenge to last a few months, not nearly a year.
theunitedstrand also pushed back on claims he isn’t a genuine fan, recalling childhood memories of following United. He added that the challenge has also raised money for Mind UK and the Little Princess Trust, and he plans to donate his hair to young cancer patients once it ends.
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theunitedstrand attacked during Man United game
In the videos, a man can be seen approaching theunitedstrand in the crowd before grabbing him by the hair and yanking his head downward. The two were separated by those nearby, but the aggressor returned moments later to shout, “I do whatever I f***ing want.”
theunitedstrand has not yet made a full statement, though on day 352 of his challenge he posted on Instagram that he would “talk about it later” while thanking fans for their support.
United’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea marked the first win of the five-match streak needed for the fan to finally cut his hair, though the challenge remains ongoing.