His plight has touched the hearts of people in the UK and Australia.

And Danny Hodgson, the Cumbrian footballer who is critically ill in hospital, has now been applauded by thousands of Manchester United fans.

His name was read out to the Old Trafford crowd during the Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Thanks to Danny's fellow west Cumbrian, goalkeper Dean Henderson, a message was read over the public address system to the 72,732 crowd.

It told supporters of Danny's condition and that family and friends were recording messages to send to him to show their support.

Stadium announcer Alan Keegan urged Old Trafford to "come together and make some noise for Danny Hodgson".

Applause then broke out in support of the 25-year-old former Carlisle United youth player.

Whitehaven-born Henderson has also donated $5,000 to a fundraising appeal which will go towards Danny's recovery.

It has already raised more than $130,000. You can donate here

Danny is in an induced coma in Royal Perth Hospital having been the victim of an alleged unprovoked attack.

The young footballer's mum and dad, Nicola and Peter, flew to Australia in recent days and have been allowed a visit to see Danny on compassionate grounds during their period of quarantine in Western Australia.

Danny's parents said they are grateful for the level of care their son is receiving. He is in a critical but stable condition.

“We get regular updates from the team at Royal Perth and are so very grateful for the level of care being provided to our son at this time,” said Peter.

“Danny has made some small movements, but his condition remains much the same and we just have to give him time as he moves through this challenging journey.”

Danny's parents have also thanked their Perth-based family and Danny's girlfriend Jess who have kept a bedside vigil with their son.

“Despite the fact that we are in quarantine, we know our family members and Jess are keeping Danny comforted during this time,” said Nicola.

The couple received a heartwarming show of support yesterday as the Coastal Scottish and Cockburn Pipe Bands, flanked by Danny's team-mates from ECU Joondalup SC, gave a performance outside the hotel where they are quarantining in line with local Covid-19 rules.

Back home in Cumbria, Danny's former sporting clubs, such as Cleator Moor Celtic and Wath Brow Hornets, held up shirts bearing Danny's number 7 in a show of support this weekend. Whitehaven Rugby League Club also showed their support for Danny with a No7 jersey.

One of Danny's former clubs in Australia, Olympic Kingsway, made a further gesture of support over the weekend:

Nicola and Peter have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has supported Danny either with messages or donations.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with grievous bodily harm and will appear in court in Perth on September 22.