Welsh international James spent two underwhelming years at Old Trafford following a £15m move from Swansea in 2019.
But after several years of struggle at Premier League level, he is now in the form of his life for today's FA Cup opponents Leeds.
The 26-year-old boasts eight goals and five assists for Daniel Farke's promotion-chasers and has muscled his way past £30m-rated Wilfried Gnonto to become an integral part of the Championship's most star-studded frontline.
Renowned as one of the fastest players in the game, James clocked a top speed of 35.39km/h while playing for Wales at the 2022 World Cup just 3km/h less than the average ground speed of Usain Bolt.
And it is Burrows Peterborough's recently-converted left-back who will have the dubious honour of keeping him quiet.
"He's quality, isn't he?" says the 21-year-old, who played as an attacking midfielder or wing-back before slotting into the back four during pre-season.
"I've been a United fan since I was young, so I've seen a lot of him.
"When you look at that Leeds team, he's one of the first names you recognise, just because he's played in the Prem for such a huge club.
"He's really flourishing for Leeds, which is good to see, and it'll be really interesting to test myself against him.
"Before any game, I like to watch clips and do a bit of research on who I'm playing.
That's what I've done with Dan and I'd like to think I know how to battle him.
"My natural game is still very attacking. Hopefully, that means I can keep him pinned at the other end but you've obviously got to be wary of his pace.
“Someone that fast, it is a challenge. You get the wingers who are really quick and you get the ones who are more technical.
Esta historia es de la edición January 07, 2024 de The Football League Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 07, 2024 de The Football League Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
ANTHONY REVELS IN U'S MOVE
INJURY-RAVAGED Anthony Scully says he is ready for a \"fresh start\" at Colchester United - but more importantly to be wanted again.
ADAMS SALUTES HIS SHRIMPS AFTER THEY NET FIRST GOALS
MORECAMBE manager Derek Adams breathed a sigh of relief after his side scored their first goals of the season and bagged their first win on Tuesday night.
NOW I'M HUNGRY FOR NEW PROJECT
LEAGUE One, League Two, National LeagueJohn Coleman doesn't care. He just wants to manage a club with scope for 'doing an Accrington'.
ACE HENDRY MAKES HIS MARK AS MIKE ELATED
CALLUM Hendry's 18thminute winner made it back-to-back home wins for MK Dons, to leave a big smile on manager Mike Williamson's face.
BILLY'S STILL A WHIZZ AS ROVERS GO TOP OF PILE
More to come from us, says McCann
EVANS ABOVE! HE'S NOT A HAPPY CHAP
SUPER-SUB Aneke Chuks denied Rotherham a first away win in 22 months, leaving Millers manager Steve Evans in a rage.
PARKY'S COOL BUT DRAGONS ARE HOT!
WREXHAM boss Phil Parkinson knows a brilliant start to the season \"doesn't count for a great deal\" after beating local rivals Shrewsbury took them to the summit.
Forget the fee and be patient with Jay
JAY Stansfield's incredible £10m-plus transfer to Birmingham reminds me of when Arsenal paid Lille £72m for Nicolas Pepe.
YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALL NOW!
NOTTS County shot-stopper Alex Bass believes modern goalkeepers are just outfield players who are required to make saves.
'I'VE ACHIEVED A LOT - AND I HAVEN'T FINISHED!'
Former Wales international Williams eyes promotion with Gills