Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday saw him earn a bonus worth £850,000, according to reports.

Ronaldo, 37, took his tally for the season to 21 goals against the Canaries, rounding off his match-winning display with a stunning free-kick.

The Sun claim that the Portuguese international was rewarded with £750,000 for reaching the 20-goal landmark, which has triggered a new clause that sees Ronaldo pocket £100,000 every time he scores, taking his total bonus to £850,000 for the afternoon.

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The report adds that the striker will earn a further £1m if he finishes the campaign as United’s top scorer, which is almost certain. Should he reach 30 goals, Ronaldo will ‘bank around £2.75m in total payments’, on top of his salary.

United interim boss Ralf Rangnick said of the hat-trick hero: “I don’t think we need to speak about Ronaldo’s performance today.

“Another hat-trick, like the one he scored against Tottenham, made the difference, and at least two of them were not easy to score, the second and third.”

Despite his vital contributions in key moments this season, many United chiefs are keen for Ronaldo to leave the club at the end of the season.

This is because Ronaldo’s reluctance to press could be problematic in the high-octane system of Erik ten Hag, who is expected to be named the club’s new manager.

Rangnick said of Ronaldo’s future: “In the end it is not my decision, He has another year of his contract and it’s one for the new manager and board to take on.

“But he showed against Tottenham and today how he can be the difference. It’s no coincidence he has the highest scoring record of anyone in history.”

The result moves United to within three points of the top four, reviving hopes of Champions League qualification after disappointing results for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

United’s next fixture, though, is a trip to Anfield to face high-flying Liverpool, and Rangnick believes his team will have to perform much better in order to take anything out of the game.

“Everyone has seen today’s game and knows what sort of team we are playing next,” he said. “They have just beaten Manchester City today and have a chance to win four trophies.

“If we play like today, it will be very difficult to get even a point. This is what we have to be realistic and aware of. We need to raise our standards.”