This season, Maguire's leadership has been questioned as the Manchester United defender has battled with his form.
Due to a knee injury, he will miss the final four games of the season, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo or Bruno Fernandes will lead the club against Chelsea tonight.
"I understand your question, but it doesn't make sense because we don't know what kind of players will be here, what the group will look like," Rangnick said when asked if he would recommend Maguire to incoming coach Erik Ten Hag.
I can only tell you what I've done in the past as a head coach or manager.
"I believe the captain should be elected by the team because he is known as the team manager, and that is what we have always done, with a board of four or five players."
We dubbed it the 'Spielerrat,' or "players' council," because it was chosen by the players.
"At the end, the team captain was the player who received the most votes. That's how I went about it.
"I'm aware that a lot of head coaches don't operate in this manner. That's what I'd do if I were still in charge next season, but I won't be. Erik will have to make a decision on this."
Rangnick claims his home Germany uses the technique, which Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal have both adopted.
Maguire's position would be jeopardized as a result of the idea, with the club split on whether he should wear the armband as his form deteriorates.
Maguire has faced criticism from United fans this season, and was even booed during his last appearance for England.
Former United players Rio Ferdinand and Paul Parker have advocated for Maguire's leadership to be removed this season.
He received a bomb threat on his home last week and is currently sleeping with his family at a teammate's house.
He was benched for United's loss to Arsenal, and now a knee injury will keep him out of tonight's match against Chelsea, as the Red Devils try to hang on to their slim hopes of finishing in the top four.
Maguire has been able to play past the pain barrier at times, but he has now given up.
He's part of an injury problem that has left Rangnick with only 14 senior pros, according to him.
With Jadon Sancho out with tonsillitis, Maguire is one of seven players who will miss the Chelsea match.
Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, and Fred are still out, while Wan-Bissaka is dealing with a fitness issue.
Rangnick is leery of throwing too many young players into the mix, despite the injury problem.
"We have to be fair enough to those players, and it has to be the correct timing," interim coach Ralf Rangnick stated.
"They should have the opportunity to play and do well at the correct time."
Even with the players, he has a lot of options. Rangnick admits that right now, the most pressing issue is raising morale.
"Obviously, when results aren't going well, and we've lost three of our past four games, morale and enthusiasm in the locker room aren't as high as they should be," he remarked.
We must still perform because that is what we are paid to do.
"It's crucial for the players to prove we can beat a team like Chelsea, knowing a new manager is coming in. This is our job, this is what everyone has to do, and this is what we have been training for."