@ProfMHCYou're 90 days out. Like @cr8tiv1 said, check other airlines & other nearby destinations. There has to be something closer to a reasonable layover ... Maybe leaving from a nearby airport or arriving at a nearby one and mass transit / driving? Instead of Newark, what about JFK, La Guardia, or (worst case) Islip?? Instead of United maybe Jet Blue or SWA?? Hopefully an alternative
This is why I take mass transit to the airport. If SFO won't work there's always OAK or San Jose. (Made me look at my United flights!)