Born in Chorley on the second of October 2005, James Nolan almost immediately joined the ranks of the Manchester United Academy. He was part of the squad that won the Under-18s Premier League, signing his first professional contract with the Red Devils in 2023. At that point, Nolan was moved to work with the reserves in the Premier League 2, which was enough to ensure that he was given an opportunity with the first team.
That came in a League Cup match against Stockport County on the 22nd of August 2023, scoring in a penalty shootout that United won 5-3.
As Deadline Day approached towards the end of the 2024 summer transfer window, Nolan agreed to a loan deal that would take him north of the border to play for Scottish League One team Inverness Caledonian Thistle. His debut came on the same day that he signed for the club, making a substitute appearance in a 1-0 win over Queen of the South.
He also scored his first professional goal whilst at the club, which came in a 1-1 draw at home to Cove Rangers. His versatility is part of his appeal to clubs, given the fact that he can play in defence and midfield as well as as a right-winger.