The 19-year-old left-back is Carlisle's third signing of the summer. He will be expected to fill the left-back void in the absence of injured Chris Chantler. Manager Greg Abbott said: “We've watched Reece a number of times and he's one we think will add to the squad in a very positive way. He's keen and hungry to be involved."
Abbott has a good relationship with Manchester United reserve boss Warren Joyce and James is the sixth loan player to join Carlisle from the Old Trafford giants in recent years. James, whose brother Matt is at Leicester, is a regular in the Red Devils' Under-21 squad. He was involved in the team that won last season's Barclays Under 21 Premier League final against Tottenham.
He joined Man Utd as an 18-year old last year, having previously been with Preston, Rossendale United and Blackburn Rovers. The six-month loan deal runs until midnight on January 1. James is eligible to play for United in next season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy but United do not yet have permission to field the teenager in the Capital One and FA Cups.