This time last year, Daniel James was so disillusioned with life at Swansea that he considered leaving the Championship club in search of first-team football elsewhere.
The young winger had made his senior debut and scored in an 8-1 win over Notts County in the FA Cup in February, but was sufficiently concerned about his prospects to knock on the door of new manager Graham Potter at the end of last season.
'I remember going into onto the office and saying I wanted to go on loan,' recalls James.
Daniel James completed his £17m move to Manchester United from Swansea on Wednesday
'I was told I was going to be part of something and obviously you go out of the office thinking, "is that true?" I didn't think I was going to get much first-team football.'
Twelve months on and James's career has taken off to such extent that the 21-year-old is celebrating a £17million move to Manchester United on a salary of £67,000-a-week.
For James, it has been a meteoric rise from promising Under-23 player to fully-fledged Wales international and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first signing as United boss.
'It's surreal to be part of this massive club,' he added. 'As a kid, everyone grows up saying "I want to play for Manchester United" and here I am today. I never thought I would play against them, never mind for them.
The 21-year-old only made his professional debut for the Swans in February last year
The Welsh international believes he is ready for the 'big test' of playing in the Premier League
'Playing in the Premier League is going to be a big test for me and it's one I think I'm ready for.
'I've spoken to him (Solskjaer) since I've been here. I think the ambition they've got for the club is amazing for the next few years – to get players in who are hungry and ready to work hard.
'I believe that I'm one of those players. I'm willing to work hard. It's a challenge I'm looking forward to.'
James fits the profile of the young British player Solskjaer is trying to recruit; one with the kind of searing pace the Norwegian hopes can reignite United's attack and thrill supporters.
'I'd say I'm
