It’s not really deception though is it, when once the dust has settled on the transfer window and a few more games go by, if we have no further additions (particularly attacking ones) the pressure cooker lid will blow sky high, and if they think they were in for protests now, the actions that take place at that point will be a lot more focal or forceful.
If what you say if their strategy is true and is a delaying tactic, it’s self defeating for them. They would be solely hoping for an upturn in performances and results which I think we can all say is very unlikely to happen. They would be better managing expectations of the fan base to manage any rising fervour.