A first-half strike from Marcelo Carusco sunk a misfiring Jets side, who couldn't find an equaliser despite playing a man up for the last 15 minutes of the match.

The Jets are outright last after Western Sydney's mid-week win over fellow strugglers Brisbane.

Fans continue to lament coach Phil Stubbins' tenure at the club, with the Englishman so far unable to guide his side to back-to-back wins this season.

With just 14 points from 23 games, Newcastle are on track to post the lowest points tally from a club in a 10-team A-League season.

The Jets had chances at Hunter Stadium on Sunday; a Mitch Cooper effort was cleared off the line after the shot beat United keeper Eugene Galekovic.

Edson Montano's unlucky streak also continued as the Ecuadorian hit the post for the seventh time this season. Newcastle also enjoyed more possession (54 per cent) than the fifth-placed Adelaide.

But it was the South Australians who picked up the three points after Carrusca's goal in the 28th minute.

Newcastle play fourth-placed Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium on Monday; kick off is at 5pm.

Perth are one point off the top spot and will look to build on a 3-2 win over Wanderers on Saturday.