Fresh blow for Marcus Rashford as Love Island star Grace Jackson ‘dumps him after realising the Man United forward wasn’t serious about their relationship’

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has reportedly been dumped by former Love Island contestant Grace Jackson as the star has ‘not been serious about the relationship’.

Grace 25, had been on multiple dates with the footballer around the Cheshire area over the past few months, according the The Sun.

A spokesperson close to Rashford last month denied they were in a relationship.

Model and influencer Grace, from Walkden, Manchester, featured on season 11 of the ITV2 dating show this year and was briefly ‘coupled up’ with Joey Essex and had a very steamy romance.

This came after she and former TOWIE star had a fling a year before appearing on the hit series together as they enjoyed a holiday romance in 2023. 

In August, following coming sixth on the dating show with contestant Reuben Collins, Grace landed a huge six-figure fashion deal with brand EGO weeks after leaving the villa.

The Sun reported that model is now set to appear on Love Island All Stars, which is due to start next month, after cutting ties with Rashford. 

‘Grace realised that Marcus wasn’t serious about her and has unfollowed him on Instagram,’ a source told The Sun.

‘She realised there was no future so she has decided to cut ties.

‘When the opportunity arose to take part in Love Island All Stars this winter Grace jumped at the chance, she is still young in her career and is keen to maximise the exposure to help with her modelling work and net campaign deals.

‘If she finds love on the show that’s a bonus, especially since she didn’t meet a suitable match in the summer.

‘As far as she is concerned it’s Marcus’ loss, she is putting her best foot forward and can’t wait to enjoy some winter sun in gloomy January.’ 

Rashford had previously been in a long-term relationship with childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi before they split over the summer of 2023.

The reported split comes in a week where Rashford made the bombshell admission he is ready to leave Manchester United.

On Tuesday, when he was at his old primary school, where he handed out 420 presents – Rashford dropped a bombshell story. 

‘For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,’ Rashford said.

‘When I leave it’s going to be “no hard feelings”. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.

‘If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.’  

The interview came after a series of off-field issues over a difficult 18 months for a player whose talent cannot be questioned. There have, however, been doubts over his commitment.

Last season, Rashford also missed training after a 12-hour tequila-fuelled bender in Belfast while Gary Neville recently dubbed him ‘unprofessional’ for going to the USA to watch an NBA match during his time off.

Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho had both been let out of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the Manchester derby last weekend, with Man United earning a 2-1 win over Man City.

Rashford was left out of Man United’s squad for the 4-3 Carabao Cup loss on Thursday – two days after his interview – while Garnacho returned as a second half substitute.

In response to Rashford’s interview, some travelling United fans expressed their discontent towards the 27-year-old at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

A banner read: ‘Excuses ta ra Marcus’, a nod to an infamous banner raised against Sir Alex Ferguson in his early years at United.

Mail Sport have previously revealed the club would be willing to sanction a sale for a fee in the region of £40million for the £375,000-a-week star. 

Amorim confirmed on Friday that Rashford is available for Man United’s home match with Bournemouth on Sunday.

Man United’s head coach indicated once again that it will be a selection decision based on the player’s performance in training and not a disciplinary issue.

Rashford has scored seven goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for Man United this season.

The forward has netted 138 in appearances in 426 matches since breaking into the Red Devils’ team back in 2016.