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Why Man United fan’s viral haircut challenge might not end anytime soon

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Why Man United fan’s viral haircut challenge might not end anytime soon


Manchester United players past and present were talking about fan Frank Ilett — known as “The United Strand” — and his viral haircut challenge ahead of their most recent Premier League clash, at West Ham United two weeks ago. It was journalists’ main line of questioning toward head coach Michael Carrick, and the most engaging prematch talking point for TV pundits.

“I don’t care about his haircut at all,” United midfielder Matheus Cunha said in the build-up to the game, while Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes said: “I just hope they win tomorrow night so that lad can get his haircut.”

Ilett’s challenge dominated the postmatch discourse, too, after United failed to register a fifth consecutive win which would have allowed Ilett to cut his hair for the first time in more than a year. Instead, they were held to a 1-1 draw which would have been a have been a defeat had Benjamin Sesko not scored with an exquisite flicked finish deep into added time.

The result meant that United remain in fourth place, that the club’s push to qualify for next season’s Champions League keeps momentum, and that Carrick maintained his unbeaten record. It also meant that Ilett’s challenge, which began in October 2024, would continue for a while longer.

Last week, Ilett marked Day 500, his mop of hair longer than ever. If United don’t manage to win five in a row in their remaining 12 games of this campaign, then the challenge will roll into next season, which begins in August. That’s six more months.

So, if it is to end before the 2025-26 season comes to an end, what’s the best chance of doing so?


Five-game win streaks aren’t that hard

In an interview with ESPN in October to mark the one-year anniversary of his challenge, Ilett admitted things hadn’t quite gone to plan. “I thought it would only go for a few months and be a bit of a laugh,” he said. “It was something to spread humour to Man United fans during a difficult period of time.

“It didn’t feel unrealistic then, because the season before, they had won five games in a row.”

Ilett began his challenge eight months after United’s most recent five-game win streak — which they completed between January and February 2024. You can forgive him for thinking it wouldn’t take long. There have been 333 five-game win streaks in all competitions in the Premier League era (since 1992-93). For their part, United completed 58 of them. It wouldn’t take that long… would it?

A total of 10 teams have won five consecutive games since United last did so. Those include Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. Most of the time, it happens with little fanfare: The latest example came at the weekend when City edged Newcastle 2-1 for their fifth-straight win in all competitions.

Still, for a long time, United never got close to doing the same. Only once did United manage three straight wins under former manager Ruben Amorim — a brief stretch last January in which them beat Rangers and Fenerbahce in the Europa League as well as a league win over Fulham.

Ilett may have wanted to provide some “fun” for United fans during a tough period for the club, but that message hasn’t always landed.

“He is doing my head in,” United legend Wayne Rooney told the BBC’s No Tippy, No Tappy podcast before the draw to West Ham.

“We are talking about Michael Carrick and Man United trying to win their fifth game in a row and the whole thing is about this guy getting his haircut. I bet he is devastated if Man United win because he will be irrelevant.”

Predicting where the challenge could end

This is where math comes into play. United have only 12 games left of a 40-game season, thanks to the absence of European football as well as early exits from the Carabao Cup (vs. Grimsby Town) and FA Cup (vs. Brighton).

Admittedly, it is not the easiest stretch. Only five of their 12 games come against bottom-half opposition. However, three of them come in their final three matches. Using Opta’s latest power ranking data, as well as factoring in home advantage, United’s statistically most favourable run is their final five games.

There is an against-the-clock element here, too. If United don’t win five games in a row between now and the end of the season, then Ilett will have to wait until the next Premier League season kicks off on Aug. 22, at which point it will be Day 688 … and counting.





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Transfer rumors, news: Bayern eye move for Newcastle’s Gordon

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Transfer rumors, news: Bayern eye move for Newcastle’s Gordon


Bayern Munich have made signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon a priority, while Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs keen on Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is a priority for Bayern Munich and a deal could be worth around €60 million, reports Sky Germany. There have already been concrete talks between Bayern and the 25-year-old’s representatives, and he is the Bavarians’ first choice to challenge Luis Díaz for a starting spot in Vincent Kompany’s XI. Barcelona and Arsenal have also been linked, but the Magpies are determined to keep the England international.

– Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley has received attention ahead of the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs interested in signing him, according to TEAMtalk. Despite the interest, Newcastle value the 19-year-old highly as part of their long-term plans, especially as they are facing high-profile speculation about the futures of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade.

Real Madrid are one of the clubs who can trigger a release clause of between €50 million-€60 million in Nico Schlotterbeck‘s new contract with Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky Germany. The clause specifies that the Germany center back can depart for a set fee, but it can only be triggered by certain clubs, with Bayern Munich not one of them. The 26-year-old’s new contract runs until 2031 and is worth a gross total of €14 million-per-year in wages, making him one of Dortmund’s highest earners.

– Bayern Munich are in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane but fear strong competition from Arsenal, according to Christian Falk. Bayern are expected to look for a back-up striker to Harry Kane this summer, especially with Nicolas Jackson set to return to Chelsea after his loan expires, and the 19-year-old is one of many names on their short list. Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani is also on Bayern’s list of options, but the club will move for a left winger and a right back before bringing in a striker.

TEAMtalk suggests that Liverpool and Manchester United have been watching RB Leipzig for some time as they scout winger Yan Diomande, but their attention has now also turned to left back David Raum. Both clubs are looking for a player in his position with the Red Devils actively wanting to bring in competition for Luke Shaw, while the Reds are preparing for Andy Robertson to leave as a free agent.

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OTHER RUMORS

Angelo Stiller will leave Stuttgart for around €60 million, with Liverpool keeping an eye on the midfielder’s progress. (Football Insider)

– Everton plan to keep Jack Grealish once the winger’s loan from Manchester City has come to an end. (TEAMtalk)

– Manchester United will have to pay over £40 million to sign Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche in the summer. (Football Insider)

– Aston Villa are planning to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Football Insider)

– Real Madrid are planning for striker Gonzalo Garcia to leave the club during the summer transfer window. (Athletic)

– Brighton & Hove Albion are considering various goalkeeper options as Bart Verbruggen has interesting enquiries and could leave the club. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Roma will trigger their €25 million option to permanently sign Donyell Malen from Aston Villa if the conditions for the obligation aren’t met. (Nicolo Schira)

– Juventus’ obligation to permanently sign Lois Openda from RB Leipzig has been triggered with the total package coming to €46 million plus his wages, but they will still try to offload the striker this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Swansea City are demanding £15m from clubs looking to sign striker Zan Vipotnik amid growing interest from Brighton & Hove Albion and other Premier League clubs. (Football Insider)

– Hoffenheim center back Ozan Kabak‘s new contract includes a clause that would allow him to leave for €25 million in the summer of 2027, and he is aiming for a Premier League move. (Florian Plettenberg)

– AC Milan aren’t satisfied with Pervis Estupinan‘s performances and are happy to let the left back leave in the summer. (Nicolo Schira)

– Wolfsburg are working intensively to sign Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj with Union Berlin also interested. (Florian Plettenberg)



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Mascherano quits as Inter Miami coach, 4 months after MLS title

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Mascherano quits as Inter Miami coach, 4 months after MLS title


MIAMI — Javier Mascherano has quit as Inter Miami CF head coach, just four months after guiding the club to its first MLS Cup title.

Miami said in a statement Tuesday that the Argentine coach had stepped down for “personal reasons.”

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Mascherano officially communicated his decision to the club following Saturday’s 2-2 home draw against the New York Red Bulls, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The club said that Guillermo Hoyos will take over as head coach of the first team for “the upcoming matches,” moving over from his current role of sporting director.

“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” Mascherano said in a statement.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.”

Mascherano, a former teammate of Miami star Lionel Messi with Argentina and Barcelona, spent almost a year and a half at the helm after replacing Gerardo “Tata” Martino in November 2024.

The former Argentina under-20 coach led Inter Miami to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal and the Leagues Cup final, and he made history when lifting the MLS Cup during his first year with the club in 2025.

Miami is third in the Eastern Conference through seven games of the 2026 season but exited the Concacaf Champions Cup via a loss to Nashville SC.

The move comes not even two weeks after Inter Miami opened its new stadium near Miami International Airport. The club has tied its first two matches in the new facility.

“Javier will forever be part of this Club’s history and will always hold a special place in the Inter Miami CF family,” Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said. “Not only for being a key part of unforgettable achievements, such as winning the MLS Cup and the team’s historic performance at the Club World Cup, but also for the example he set through his dedication and daily work leading the team.

“We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed, wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future.”

Hoyos comes into the role after working as a coach and sporting director in leagues across the world including Liga MX and serving as Bolivia national team head coach. Chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will assume Hoyos’ previous responsibilities as sporting director of the club.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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Liverpool’s star power can’t match PSG’s in Champions League

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Liverpool’s star power can’t match PSG’s in Champions League


LIVERPOOL, England — In the end, Liverpool‘s latest European odyssey ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.

The second leg of the Reds’ UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie with Paris Saint-Germain had all the ingredients to be a European classic, and in many ways it delivered. The Anfield crowd was at its vicious, vociferous best as momentum swung between two sides capable, to varying degrees, of genuine excellence. Liverpool — who for much of this term have looked a pale imitation of the side that romped to last season’s Premier League title — ran and slid and pumped their fists as they sought to overturn a daunting 2-0 first-leg deficit.

But, just as they were at the Parc des Princes last week, PSG were simply too good. The European champions were made to suffer at times on Tuesday night, but they held their nerve. And when chances arose to underscore their dominance in this tie, Ousmane Dembélé seized them, scoring twice in the second half to send the French side through to the semifinals with a 2-0 win and a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Moments after the Ballon d’Or winner had netted the visitors’ second of the evening, Florian Wirtz lashed a wild effort over the bar for Liverpool to a chorus of jeers from the traveling PSG fans. In many ways, the sequence encapsulated the current disparity between the two sides.

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PSG have struck the perfect blend of arrogance and humility. They are totally assured of their own brilliance but possess the alacrity to back up the hype by leaving everything out on the pitch.

Like Liverpool, they are a side are packed with star power. Yet while PSG boss Luis Enrique has been able to corral his players into one glittering constellation, Arne Slot has yet to imbue his team with the confidence to truly sparkle. Still, it was telling that there were no signs of mutiny at the final whistle, even as the wind and rain swirled around Anfield.

Instead, the majority of Liverpool supporters stayed behind and applauded in recognition of a battling display from their side. The hosts generated an expected goals (xG) value of 1.94 compared to the visitors’ 1.25, had 21 shots compared to PSG’s 12 and recorded more than double the amount of touches in the opposition box.

Had PSG center back Marquinhos not slid in at the last to deny Virgil van Dijk a certain goal in the first half, or had Liverpool’s penalty for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister not been overturned in the second, the outcome could have been very different. But, ultimately, fortune did not favor Slot’s side.

That, too, has been an enduring theme of Liverpool’s season. So many times, when it has looked as if the Reds have managed to pick themselves up and dust themselves off, the fates have conspired to send them tumbling back onto the canvas.

Here, the withdrawal of Hugo Ekitike after half an hour with what looked like a serious injury presented yet another setback for Liverpool to overcome. Before Tuesday, the French attacker had shared the pitch for only 88 minutes with fellow summer signings Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who was handed his first start in more than four months against PSG after recovering from a broken leg. That the trio have so seldom been afforded the chance to forge a connection reflects the tribulations Slot has had to contend with this term, with the Dutchman now unlikely to have all three players available before the end of the campaign.

On his return to the starting lineup, Isak struggled to showcase the quality that saw Liverpool splash a British-record £125 million on him last summer, enjoying just five touches before his withdrawal at the break. With nothing to lose in the second half, the Reds attacked with a fervor that has evaded them for much of the season, but a cocktail of poor finishing and fine goalkeeping from Matvei Safonov denied them the opportunity to truly set this contest alight.

“Of course, we are very disappointed because I think there were parts of the second half where you could feel, ‘If we could just score now, this could become a very special night’,” Slot said in his postmatch news conference. “But the future looks very bright for this team, for this club. We have showed we can compete with the champions of Europe in our stadium. To be the dominant team, not many teams can be dominant against PSG and create as many chances as we did. Creating chances is one thing, scoring is a second.”

While Slot will be left to rue his team falling foul of the fine margins, the external clamor surrounding his future will no doubt continue to swell as Liverpool brace for their first trophyless season since 2021. The Reds have lost 17 of their 50 games in all competitions and must successfully navigate a tricky run of fixtures — starting with this weekend’s visit to Merseyside rivals Everton — if they are to be playing in the Champions League again next season.

For Liverpool, it is now top five or bust. With no Champions League miracle to cling to, even that might not be enough to convince supporters that Slot should still be in the dugout the next time Anfield plays host to one of Europe’s elite.



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