Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has been dumped by his Love Island girlfriend Grace Jackson ahead of her planned return to the ITV show, reports say.
The 27-year-old footballer, who had been dating Jackson following her appearance on Love Island this summer, now faces the festive season single while Grace prepares for Love Island All Stars in the New Year.
The split comes just before United’s clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, adding to a challenging period for the England international.
Jackson, also 25, is set to make her return to the villa as part of the All Stars series, though ITV notes that any names are “speculation until our line-up is officially announced.”
Marcus Rashford has reportedly split from Grace Jackson ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Bournemouth
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A source close to the situation told The Sun: “Grace realised that Marcus wasn’t serious about her and has unfollowed him on Instagram.”
“She realised there was no future so she has decided to cut ties,” the source added.
The insider explained that Jackson is keen to maximise exposure for her modelling career through Love Island All Stars.
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Marcus Rashford will be hoping to start for Man Utd in their Premier League clash with Bournemouth today
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“If she finds love on the show that’s a bonus, especially since she didn’t meet a suitable match in the summer,” the source said.
“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.”
Jackson has seen significant success since her initial Love Island appearance, having amassed 594,000 followers on Instagram.
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The former shop worker secured a lucrative six-figure deal with fashion and shoe brand EGO in August.
This followed her previous relationship history with Rashford, who had been in a long-term relationship with childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi before their split last year.
Rashford’s relationship troubles come amid a challenging period in his football career, having been dropped from Manchester United’s derby clash with Manchester City last weekend.
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The forward, who has earned 60 caps for England, recently hinted at a possible departure from Old Trafford.
During a Christmas present distribution at his former primary school, Button Lane in Manchester, Rashford made a telling comment about his future.
“I think I’m ready for a new challenge,” he said, suggesting potential changes ahead both on and off the pitch for the United star.
Marcus Rashford has struggled to impress new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim ahead of today’s Premier League showdown against Bournemouth
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The Red Devils lost 3-0 to Bournemouth in the same fixture last season.
And another defeat would heap more festive misery on Ruben Amorim, who has struggled to turn things around at the club following his appointment last month.