Tawanda Maswanhise has scored only one goal in six Premiership appearances for Motherwell this season. That solitary strike is a far cry from the 22 goals he netted in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign, a drop-off that is hampering the team's progress under new manager Alfred Johansson.
Motherwell sit fifth in the Premiership with eight points from six games, but they have lost their last two matches without scoring. A 4-0 home defeat to Aberdeen last Tuesday was followed by a 1-0 loss at Rangers, leaving the side searching for a focal point in attack. Johansson's team is praised for playing attractive football but currently lacks a cutting edge in the final third.
Impact of injury and speculation
The 23-year-old Zimbabwe international's pre-season was disrupted by a broken jaw, which set back his match fitness. Maswanhise has also been the subject of transfer speculation, with Celtic and Rangers linked with interest before the window closed. Despite the noise, he has remained a consummate professional at Fir Park.
"He deserves immense credit for not allowing his head to be turned last year," Maswanhise said of his own approach to the rumours. He has never caused issues behind the scenes and is focused on regaining his best form.
A player overthinking his game
Maswanhise's game is instinctive, but there is a sense he is currently spending too much time in his own head. He has featured predominantly on the right-hand side under both Johansson and previous manager Jens Berthel Askou, yet sometimes appears unsure in possession. This hesitation is limiting his influence and, by extension, the team's threat.
Alfred Johansson, the 36-year-old in his second managerial role, has a clear idea of how he wants his side to play and is committed to that style. The departure of players like Elijah Just, who moved to Swansea City after boosting his value at the World Cup, has increased the reliance on Maswanhise to deliver.
Motherwell's recent results underline the need for a sharper attack. You can review the team's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page, which includes a key away match against Dundee this weekend. The squad is also dealing with several absences, with Callum Hendry, Johnny Koutroumbis, Jordan McGhee, Paul McGinn, and Oscar Priestman all currently sidelined.
With eight goals scored and nine conceded so far, finding a consistent source of goals is the immediate challenge. The team's last victory was a 3-0 win over Dundee United at the start of the month. Motherwell travel to face a Dundee side sitting sixth in the table on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
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