Honestly can't agree, and I've never heard a mackem say that. Most of the articles have linked him to City exactly for his ability with the ball.
Mazzari earlier in the season:
Honestly this is the first time I've seen anybody argue that he's not good with the ball. His distribution is good and off both feet as well. Moyes has him booting it long and quickly almost every time, as they're so poor at moving the ball from back to front, and he's better at it than most of their side.