The Manchester United Museum is about to reach a significant landmark when it welcomes its five millionth visitor through its doors later this month.

Originally opened in 1986 as the first of its kind in the world, the Manchester United Museum was in the south-east corner of Old Trafford until it moved to the redeveloped North Stand in April 1998. The museum was reopened by legendary footballer Pelé and since then visitor numbers have jumped from 192,000 in 1998 to more than 300,000 visitors in 2009.

The museum – which holds 28,000 pieces of memorabilia and has welcomed an average of more than 178,000 people through its doors on an annual basis – has also announced that free entry to the museum will continue throughout July and August in the build up to the new Premier League season.

A new George Best ICON exhibition that celebrates the legendary footballer on and off the pitch has recently been unveiled, which includes the signed match ball from the Northampton Town game where he scored six goals and an insightful postcard from George to his parents among other Best relics.

“Reaching five million visitors to our Museum and Tour is an incredible achievement,” said Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold. “Each day we welcome visitors from around the world, such is the huge global popularity of the club.”