Onana expects to be told at the end of May what Manchester United plan for him next season.
There is a basic reality to this situation though. Trabzonspor are paying his £6m-a-year wages. That salary will go up if Manchester United are in the Champions League next season.
Current number one Senne Lammens seems certain to be chosen for World Cup duty by Belgium. Altay Bayindir’s future is uncertain anyway because of interest from Besiktas, who tried to sign him in January, but regardless, he is expected to be part of Turkey’s squad.
It means Manchester United are likely to be short of experienced goalkeepers for their opening pre-season game against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July – the day before the World Cup final – and maybe for games that follow that given players are entitled to a three-week break after their last tournament match.
It is possible Radek Vitek, who has had an outstanding season on loan at Bristol City, could still be at Manchester United in mid-July but he made it perfectly clear in an interview with BBC Sport last month he wants to play next season and has no interest in being anywhere to sit on the bench for an extended period.
Sources with knowledge of Onana feel his current mindset is that he will be returning to the club, hoping to play during pre-season and then try to convince the new permanent manager he can be part of his plans.
Onana still believes he has an Old Trafford future and is not prepared to give that up without a fight, as unlikely as it seems that Lammens will relinquish his number one spot.
Rashford is in a different position.
Until 15 June, the ball is in Barcelona’s court. That is the deadline they have to activate a clause which would allow them to turn his loan into a permanent deal for a fee of £26m.
Most expect it to happen, although Barca have given the impression of wanting to negotiate over the details, something Manchester United are unwilling to do.
However, the club also know if Rashford reverts back to being their player on 30 June when his Barca contract ends, he will instantly become one of their highest earners.
Numerous clubs are said to be keen on the forward, who is in line to be in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this summer. Manchester United might think they can get a bigger fee from another suitor. But can they get a bigger fee and cover Rashford’s wages? Not many clubs in Europe have Barca’s status and global pulling power.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has complained before about the amount of money Manchester United are spending to subsidise the salaries of players currently at other clubs.
Even if Onana and Rashford are not in that bracket currently, there is a possibility they might be if it is decided the pair have no future at Old Trafford.
As it stands, both players are said to be open to coming back if needed, while United don’t want to address the issue publicly as they still have work to do to seal a Champions League return.
If they do, then the negotiations will start. It might not be easy.
