The 36-year-old was found suffering from head injuries at 7.25am on Sunday and taken to hospital for treatment where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
Police were called to Chatsworth Road, between the junctions of Blurton Road and Elderfield Road.
Detectives believe the victim was assaulted with a metal pole or an object that might have been dumped in the nearby area.
Police are asking neighbours to check doorbell footage and motorists to check dashcam footage.
There have been no arrests.
Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD 1983/17Oct. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
