diff --git a/git_superproject.py b/git_superproject.py
index 377b9e9..4ca84a5 100644
--- a/git_superproject.py
+++ b/git_superproject.py
@@ -410,4 +410,6 @@
     if client_value is not None:
       return client_value
     else:
+      if not manifest.superproject:
+        return False
       return _UseSuperprojectFromConfiguration()