The incident took place at around 10.45pm on Thursday, July 23, at Roundthorn tram stop on Southmoor Road in Wythenshawe.
The victim was walking with his wife when they noticed a boy on the line. As a Manchester Airport-bound tram approached, the man shouted for the boy to get off the tracks. The boy turned abusive before allegedly assaulting him, Greater Manchester Police said.
The man suffered cuts to his eyes and nose following the incident.
Appeal for information
GMP has issued an appeal and released two CCTV images. One image appears to show a person on the tram tracks, while another shows two people standing on the platform.
A GMP spokesperson said: "We would like to speak to the people pictured as they believe they may be able to help with our investigation."
Anyone who recognises the people in the images or has information about the incident is urged to come forward. Information can be passed to GMP by calling 101 or using the LiveChat function online, quoting crime reference number CRI/06A3/0013809/26. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
