Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Dean Henderson have sent messages of support to critically-ill Danny Hodgson.

The football stars have recorded video messages for the young Cumbrian who is in intensive care in Australia.

They have both invited Danny to a game at Old Trafford one he has recovered.

Ronaldo, on his video message, said: "Hi Danny, I've just heard about your history - I hope you get well soon, and invite for you to come to one of our games in Manchester. Get well soon my friend. Take care."

Whitehaven-born goalkeeper Henderson, meanwhile, has also issued a heartfelt message to his fellow west Cumbrian.

He said: "Danny, I just wish you all the best mate. Stay strong, stay in there, and you'll get through this I promise. I know how hard you are - you'll be fine.

"I can't wait to get you over to a game and meet the boys. I've told them all about you, we're all in your corner as a club and as a team.

"Love you to bits mate, and we need to get that game of Call of Duty once you're recovered. All the best, pal."

The messages from the Premier League stars are among the huge number of well wishes sent to Danny following the alleged unprovoked attack that left him critically ill.

The former Carlisle United youth team player remains in a stable condition in Royal Perth Hospital.

A benefit match to raise funds to help with Danny's recovery is being staged on Tuesday between Danny's club, ECU Joondalup, and Perth Glory, at Dorrien Gardens in West Perth.

Joondalup have been supported in their efforts by Danny's previous teams Kingsway Olympic, Croatia Gwelup and Bayswater FC, while he has received messages of support from his Cumbrian sporting clubs such as Carlisle United, Cleator Moor Celtic, Wath Brow Hornets as well as Whitehaven RLFC and Manchester City.

Danny's mum and dad, Nicola and Peter, are in quarantine in a Perth hotel under Covid rules after flying to the country to be with their son.

“It is challenging to remain positive in hotel quarantine when all we want to do is wrap our arms around Danny,” said Nicola.

“But we appreciate the Western Australia Government allowing us to fly to Perth and respect their COVID-19 restrictions.

“It means Danny is able to receive around the clock care from the wonderful Royal Perth Hospital ICU team which may not be possible if the hospital system was overrun by critically ill COVID patients needing ventilation.”

Peter and nicola will be able to watch the benefit game online as it is being live streamed by Australian company MatchWinr.

“We were moved by Danny’s situation and wanted to do something to help,” said their CEO Tom Tapping.

“This will not only allow his parents to be part of the event, but family and friends in the UK.

The game can be watched live via https://www.facebook.com/matchwinr