Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has shared his frustratio
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
09:35, 11 Feb 2026Updated 09:44, 11 Feb 2026
Wayne Rooney voiced his frustrations(Image: YouTube/No Tippy Tappy Football)
Wayne Rooney has expressed his annoyance with The United Strand as he continues to be associated with Manchester United’s downfall.
The United fan, Frank Ilett, became a viral sensation after vowing not to have a haircut until the team secures five consecutive victories. This light-hearted promise was made in October 2024 to bring some joy to fans frustrated by their club’s performance.
However, what began as a harmless joke has now lasted nearly 500 days, due to United’s inconsistent form under former manager Ruben Amorim. Interim boss Michael Carrick brought some stability and almost achieved the five-win streak with victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham.
But the team fumbled in the final game, securing a last-minute draw against West Ham thanks to Benjamin Sesko’s goal. As a result, Ilett’s much-anticipated haircut remains on hold and Rooney has voiced his irritation at the ongoing situation.
READ MORE: Viral Man Utd fan left ‘heartbroken’ on live stream as haircut plan dashed by West HamREAD MORE: Roberto De Zerbi sensationally leaves Marseille after being tipped for Man Utd job
While appearing on Sam Allardyce’s No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the ex-United star was asked if he would give the fan a haircut if asked. Rooney said: “I’d put him to the other side of the country, he’s doing my head in.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
“We’re talking about Carrick and United trying to win their fifth game in a row and the whole thing is about this guy getting his haircut. I bet he’d be devastated if United win the fifth game because all of a sudden he’s irrelevant.
“That’s where social media’s taken this now – it’s all about a guy getting his haircut if Man United win a game of football.”
Rooney’s feelings clearly showed just how dismissive he is of the situation, suggesting that supporters are concentrating more on a lighthearted gimmick than on the club’s current state. Former Bolton Wanderers manager Allardyce also chimed in as he said: “Is he going to have it shaved bald, is he going to be bald?
Frank Illett will have to wait for his haircut(Image: The United Strand on Kick)
“I mean I’d say you’re going to have to have it bald. But you know Wayne’s right, talking about it’s gone mental right?”
United’s draw with the Hammers has kept them in fourth spot in the Premier League table after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Tuesday. The Red Devils sit two points behind Aston Villa and five points adrift of City, both of whom have Brighton and Fulham to face on Wednesday.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
Following the draw, caretaker manager Carrick acknowledged his team can perform better but welcomed their resilience in securing a point. He told TNT Sports: “We were OK. I think we were a bit disappointing. We definitely weren’t at our best.
“It’s the times when you’re not totally at your best when you can find a way, keep a clean sheet and move on. So we’re a little bit frustrated with that. We’ve had five games now, and we’ve been at a really good level. It’s a tough place to come, and they made it difficult.
“We just didn’t quite have that sharpness or spark to find the answers. In the end, big credit to the boys for the spirit again and the late goal when we needed it. It’s a great quality to have. We’ll take the point and move on.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.