Police were called to Manchester Road near Linnyshaw Mill shortly before 6pm today, Sunday 29 March.
One eyewitness wrote on Facebook: “I drove past before after it had just happened.
“A guy badly beaten bust eyes and lip and blood just pouring down his face from his head.
“He was found on the floor and didnt even know what day it was.”
Police cordoned off the immediate area near the junction of Manchester Road and Moss Lane, conducting door-to-door enquiries.
After treatment in hospital the man was discharged into police custody where he remains.
His injuries are not thought to be serious.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101.
Image: Manchester Road, Walkden – Google Street View