The streak is over. The clippers are going back in the drawer. In a night of unbearable tension at the London Stadium, Manchester United’s quest for five wins in a row—and the most famous haircut in football history—fell agonizingly short.
Despite a 95th-minute miracle from Benjamin Šeško, Michael Carrick’s perfect start has officially ended, and "The United Strand" must continue his 500-day journey of hair growth.
The Match Highlights: London Stadium Drama 🎢
49’ - Goal! 🇨🇿: The "Hammers Hoodoo" strikes again! Tomás Soucek pokes the ball through the legs of Senne Lammens after a low cross from Jarrod Bowen. 1–0 to West Ham, and the dream starts to slip.
56’ - VAR Heartbreak! 🖥️: United thought they had equalized through a Casemiro header, but a lengthy VAR check ruled the Brazilian offside by a kneecap.
90+5’ - The Savior! 🇸🇮: With seconds left on the clock, substitute Benjamin Šeško produces a world-class flick into the bottom corner! United rescue a point, but the draw means the winning streak resets to zero.
FT: A gritty performance from Nuno Espírito Santo’s men stops the Carrick train in its tracks.
The "United Strand" Update: 500 Days and Counting 💇♂️📉
For viral fan Frank Ilett, tonight was the "Final Boss." After 493 days without a haircut, he was one win away from freedom.
The Result: Because United drew, the challenge resets. Frank now needs five new consecutive wins to get the chop.
Next Opportunity: The earliest possible date for his haircut is now March 20, 2026.
The Verdict: While United showed immense "Fergie-time" spirit to rescue a point, the tactical rigidity of West Ham proved once again that the London Stadium is a fortress. Michael Carrick remains unbeaten, but the "perfect" narrative has its first blemish.