Manchester United’s title challenge appears to be over — but one positive at Old Trafford is the form of speed merchant Daniel James. 

The Welsh wing wizard, 23, is enjoying a renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite United winning just once in five Premier League matches.  

With a tough trip to Manchester City this afternoon, Solskjaer's men will do well to make it two from six but James (pictured above) will hope to have his say at the Etihad. 

What is behind his improved performances and what does the future hold for the former Swansea attacker?

 The disrupter

A winger’s primary job is typically to create chances and offer an attacking threat — yet James has developed his skill set to play a different role in Solskjaer’s side.   

Take United’s recent dour goalless draw with Chelsea. James had just 36 touches but his relentless off-the-ball running stopped the Blues from making progress up the pitch.   

He disrupted Chelsea’s ability to play out from the back, tirelessly chasing down Antonio Rudiger and Mateo Kovacic when in possession.  

After being nominated for Manchester United’s Player of the Month award, James spoke about the evolution of his game earlier this week.

He said: "It was about can I go and get goals and assists. 

"But if I’m not doing that, how else am I going to contribute to the team? That’s about working hard off the ball, winning the ball high up and creating for others as well."

End product

James also still has plenty to offer in an attacking sense.   

After scoring in three of his first four United games, he endured a 32-game Premier League goal drought until netting against Leeds in December — the first of three league strikes this term.   

That works out as 0.49 goals per 90 minutes, putting him 17th in England’s top flight.

Speeding up play

Prior to picking up a thigh injury, Paul Pogba was typically deployed on the left or right of three attacking midfielders in Solskjaer’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.   

But the Frenchman often slowed down United’s attacks when out wide.  

James has largely been played on the right wing in Pogba’s absence, offering the speed and natural width needed to increase the pace of their offensive play.  

 Competition

The arrival of prodigious winger Amad Diallo at Old Trafford in January has spurred James on to new heights.  

He admitted as much when speaking to BT Sport last month. He said: "It's always great for other players to come in.

"I don't take it as something to be down about — I take it as a challenge. 

"There's always going to be challenging moments here because we've got unbelievable players in the position I play and it helps me, it drives me on."

 A future at Old Trafford?

Leeds have held a long-standing interest in James, almost signing the former Swansea man back in January 2019.  

But United legend Gary Neville believes his former club should retain the Wales international.

The Sky Sports pundit said: "He's quick, he does get a goal on occasion, he'd be a sort of fifth or sixth forward, which is good for Manchester United.

"I think they'd do well to find better. Obviously that top three of [Edinson] Cavani, [Mason] Greenwood and [Marcus] Rashford would start." 

On current form, James will not be happy in the supporting cast — the flying Welshman is showing signs he can play a key role for the Red Devils in the months and years ahead.