James became Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first signing at the club when he joined from championship side Swansea City for £15m in the off-season.
The 21-year-old played the first 45 minutes as Manchester United won 2-0 to kick-start their pre-season schedule on Saturday.
James was delighted with his performance after the game and has set his sights on being just as successful as his national team boss.
Giggs, who spent more than two decades at Old Trafford, winning 13 Premier League titles and other numerous trophies, gave James the first of his four Wales caps last year.
"Giggsy, as soon as I came into the Wales set-up, had ambitions for me," James said.
"The way he brought me and a lot of other youngsters through has been amazing.
"He spoke to me when I first signed for United. His advice was to be myself, which is what I will try to do.
"He wasn't a bad player was he? What he did at Manchester United was amazing. Every young winger looks up to a person like him.
"He was playing in the Premier League until he was 40 and he was still beating players. Credit to him, the way he looks after his body.
"It is amazing for me, when I go away on internationals, to learn from people like him. He is obviously someone I aspire to be like."
